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MARCH 7, 2021

Collectibles Making a Comeback Page 6 Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

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FROM OUR EYES IN THE SKIES

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IDEAS FOR YOUR SPRING HOME DECOR

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M A R C H 7, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

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M A R C H 7, 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS FEATURES

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FROM THE CITY MANAGER

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5 6 7 8

When the coastline is calling you When the hobby becomes part of a boom Buy, sell, trade: card-market commodities It’s a flight path forged by fortitude

9 New SCV Sheriff ’s Station project nears completion

HEALTH 10 10 What to expect when your newborn needs NICU care

SENIOR LIVING

11 What those aged 50+ need to know about shingles

Helpful advice on life and business

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FOOD 12 1 2 Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage Lucky Shamrock Cookies

RESTAURANTS 13 13 Restaurants now open for dining outdoors

ENTERTAINMENT 14 14 Marla Grayson cares a lot; ‘Kenan’ is warm, funny

Selina Thomas SCV’s HR Guru “She makes your business her business.”

HOME 15 15 Affordable tips for spring decor

GARDENING 16 16 Bare root planting season in Santa Clarita

PETS 17 17 Maintaining your pet’s healthy weight

AUTOMOTIVE 18 18 Insurance considerations for the road ahead

TECHNOLOGY 19 19 Avoiding subscription and reoccuring service fees

KIDS & FAMILY

2 0 Donna’s Day: An easy, crunchy peanut-brittle recipe Junior Whirl • Science Fact

Cary Quashen’s The Real Deal

OPINION 22 PUZZLES 23 SPORTS

SKYBOX TEXT

Substance abuse stories and advice

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M A R C H 7, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

When the coastline is calling you

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

I

n the midst of a global pandemic, many industries across the globe and throughout the Santa Clarita Valley have reported high financial strains and losses as a result of universal decreased spending.

However, the market for outdoor activity is rising due to a number of factors, according to a recent research from the Outdoor Industry Association. “Americans took up new activities in significant numbers in April, May and June of 2020,” according to the OIA. While the biggest gains were seen in running, cycling and hiking, boating also saw a boom.

In fact, consumer demand for boats across the country in 2020 hit a 13year high, according to a recent study done by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, a trade group that represents North American recreational boat, engine and marine accessory manufacturers.

“The retail unit sales of new powerboats in the U.S. increased last year by an estimated 12% compared to 2019,” according to the NMNA report. The more-than 310,000 new power boats sold in 2020 represents a number the recreational boating industry hasn’t seen since before the

Ten fun boating activities

DiscoverBoating.com compiled a few suggestions for fun activities on the water. Most of these activities are available in regional waters, but for a list of lakes in the area, check out visitcalifornia. com/things-to-do/lakes-rivers.

10 Kayaking 9 Stand-up paddleboarding 8 SCuba diving 7 Snorkeling 6 A take-out, dock-side dinner 5 Camping 4 Riding tow-toys: 3 Water-skiing 2 Wakeboarding 1 Fishing

Great Recession.

The report also attributed that many of those sales to personal watercraft, such as Jet Ski, Sea Doo and Waverunners, which included about 82,000 units; about 143,000 fishing boats; and approximately 13,000 of the smaller wake boats.

“Boat sales are expected to remain at historic levels in 2021 as more consumers seek ways to spend time outside and social distance,” the report noted.

And, specifically within the Santa Clarita Valley, these reports indicate that not only are people buying new boats, but they’re also coming back into boating after a long hiatus from the activity.

“Our business never slowed down,” said Dustin Richter, owner of Menace Marine & Motor Sports in Castaic. “Our customers don’t seem to be as affected by it — because people may be making a little bit less money, but they’re also spending a lot less money.”

In the Santa Clarita Valley region, Castaic Lake, Lake Piru and Pyramid Lake are a few of the hotspots for local boaters. However, there are even more places to go that are just a stones throw from the SCV, and in the surrounding Southern California, which makes the allure of getting into boating for the first time very attractive, according to local experts.

“Sales and service have been up a lot primarily due to it being one of the only things people are allowed to do right now,” said Richter. “A lot of our customers have kids in sports or do a lot of activities, but all the sporting stuff got shut down, all the beach camping got closed down for a little while.

So, going to the lake was one of the few options that people had.”

Richter said sales in the Santa Clarita Valley have been due to both people returning to boating or deciding that it is a new hobby they would like to pursue.

“There are a lot of people that have been into boating and that are now doing it more,” said Richter. “And then people that haven’t necessarily been in it, but wanted to start.”

Some people coming into Menace Marine & Motor Sports, Rich-

N E W S F E AT U R E

Owner Dustin Richter wipes down a family ski boat that recently sold at Menace Marine & Motor Sports in Castaic. Richter said business has remained brisk during the pandemic, perhaps as folks have sought out more ways to get outside while being safe and distanced. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

ter said, have had their boats parked for years, and they’ve wanted to go about replacing or repairing old parts.

Sergio Jolon, owner of Lakeside Boat and Marine in Castaic, echoed some of the same sentiments as Richter, noting over the course of last year, a number of new customers came into his shop looking for repairs — and many others returned.

“There’s a lot of people that have had their boats, but haven’t used them in a couple years,” said Jolon, when talking about the new wave of customers coming into his shop. “And then they got it because it was the only way that they could get back out on the lake.”

Jolon said that even though the winter months typically see business slow down slightly, he said last year’s spring and summer months saw a large number of people flock into his shop with their boats, asking for service.

When asked if he was noticing any particular trends in the uptick, he speculated one reason could be that the reason for wanting repairs would be because it was time for the repair, or that the boat was the only place

they could spend time with the family away from the house.

For those that are just getting into boating, Richter said he suggests to all his new customers that they “do their homework.”

“If they’re buying a used boat that looks like it’s been well taken care of and hasn’t been neglected, you know,” said Richter. “If somebody’s willing to take the time to clean it they’re probably willing to service it so it’s probably in good shape.”

For both groups, whether experienced or greenhorn in boating, a commonality between them is that the reduced spending on dinners or vacations, has resulted in them being able to find economical ways to return to the hobby.

“Their budget for fun may have shrunk, but it’s also narrowed down in scope a lot,” said Richter. “My best memories growing up as a kid were at the lake with my family, and I know a lot of people feel the same way. It’s a good family activity and you get everybody out there having a good time.” 

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M A R C H 7, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

When the hobby becomes part of a boom

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

Y

our favorite cards and comic books are once again prized commodities, not just for their sentimental value.

The online auction site eBay.com, one of the largest platforms for sports and trading card dealers to peddle their goods, noted in a Feb. 11 report the site has seen a 142% online increase for the trading card category during 2020, with nearly 4 million more new cards sold in 2020 than in 2019.

The jury remains out if these latest evolutions in how we do things will stick around in the long term, or whether they’re simply another speculative boom fueled by COVID-19-related boredom.

However, one group that has seen a positive change to their realm of interest or business are those local investors and purveyors of trading cards. And while some may wonder how long this latest boom in trading cards will last, others are just there to enjoy the ride.

“It’s crazy,” said Mike Sportelli, co-owner of A Card Connection in Newhall. “You have guys who have never even played in a Big League game are going for tens of thousands of dollars and, in some cases, over $100,000.”

The recent wave of demand has been in large part due to COVID-19 — people staying at home, and searching for some form of nostalgia during uncertain times, according to a number of people in the industry. But regardless of the why, the reality is most have had a little more time on their hands to dig through that box of memorabilia they’ve had sitting in storage, and perhaps more of a motivation to sell.

James Hoban, a Saugus resident who was at A Card Connection with his 3-year-old son Dean on a recent weekend, speculated that it might have been a combination of factors.

“I know people want something that they can touch,” Hoban said, “and I think this also brought people joy.”

The History

Trading cards have been around since the latter part of the 19th century, but the value of money being spent on them recently has reached new heights.

For instance, ESPN reported that a 2009 Mike Trout rookie card, verified at 9 Mint (the verification system for these cards in terms of their authentication scale ranging from 1 to 10) crushed a 2016 record for sale price by close to $1 million.

The Mike Trout card sold in Augest 2020 went for $3.93 million, beating the sale of a 1909 Honus Wagner card in September 2016 — which at the time was the highest on record — of $3.12 million.

Within five months, the Mike Trout sale would be dwarfed on its own, with ESPN reporting a 1952

A Card Connection founder Mike Manning displays vintage 1960s-era baseball cards surrounded by modern sports cards at A Card Connection in Newhall. The numbers from recent sales posted online indicate that cardcollecting is once again a booming business. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

9 Mint Mickey Mantle sold in a November 2020 transaction for $5.2 million.

“It has an ebb and flow to it, and I’ve seen some ups and downs,” said Mike Manning, who had owned A Card Collection for the last four decades before selling it to Sportelli and his partner Tim Roderick last year.

Manning said during the 1980s there was a mass production of cards, from a variety of companies in the United States, resulting in the available amount of cards to increase, and demand (and therefore the sale price) for the cards to drop.

By the 1990s, he was buying boxes of cards for only a few bucks and then reselling them for a slight profit margin. However, by 2020, with people hungry on the market for these pieces of history, he began selling those “junk boxes” — sometimes for hundreds of dollars, he said.

The money

Inside of certain boxes and packs, there’s a slight chance for a knowledgeable collector to turn a few hundred dollars into thousands of dollars in profit.

The downside to the “investment” is that you never know which box the next Mike Trout card is going to be in, and opening a box means losing out on the profits of selling an unsealed commodity on the slight chance you’ll hit it big.

“A lot of people are gambling, and they’re trying to get this hot card they can sell and make big bucks,” said Manning, as A Card Connection bus-

tled with customers ranging in age from the millennials to baby boomers. Some people had even taken the time to know when a certain shipment of a certain card type would be coming into the store, and had decided to wait outside until they could get their chance at purchasing from the cache of a new product. “What people don’t realize is if you take these boxes, get them all opened, and there’s no sealed stuff left to sell, then the prices of sealed boxes goes up because there’s a scarcity.”

Across the board, social media influencers, investment groups and hobbyists have been attempting to get their hands on both rare cards and/or unopened boxes. Demand for certain cards have been inflated as old collections from individuals who had them in their attic for years begin to reintroduce their decades old cards and/or family heirlooms into the market.

And since the demand for unopened boxes has increased, their availability in the market has become increasingly limited. And the way cards are made now have changed, having now included signatures, new graphics and even patches from the players’ jerseys.

“That’s just how everything has changed,” Manning said.

The future and nostalgia

While the future value of cards will always be unSee CARDS, on next page

M A R C H 7, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

Buy, sell, trade: card-market commodities

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

O

ver the course of the last year, the value for memorabilia has exploded.

“There are so many weird things that have happened in the age of COVID … it has been booming like crazy,” said Jim McLauchlin, a collector who contributes to Beckett and a number of other memorabilia-related media outlets.

“Here’s what happened: We’re stuck at home, so we’re stuck with our stuff that we threw in a box in the garage and we rediscover it — and suddenly we’re back into it.”

Regardless of the reason though, while the internet was once seen as a factor that contributed to the decline of the industry, it’s now a huge part of its rise, with eBay helping to build bids on cards and comics that are pushing the value of the cards and comic books from our childhood into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to recent online sales at auction sites, as well as trade sites like PWCC Marketplace.

The market is doing so well, in fact, you can now purchase the most valuable ones like you would any other tradable commodity on a speculative market, McLauchlin said. Sites like Collectable.com let you become involved in a “Fractional Investing Platform,” which means you can

CARDS

Continued from previous page

certain, card collectors have learned a number of new ways to sell cards online, including the use of apps and social media, as we’ve also recently seen with the stock market.

Famous social media influencers and collectors are showcasing their investments on live streams, unboxing their expensive purchase via an online platform, giving fans a chance to react in real time about what they’ve found and sharing in the joy.

Stores like A Card Connection have said they are embracing this change alongside the rest of their industry.

“It’s essential,” said Mike Sportelli, when asked about the card shop’s

N E W S F E AT U R E

purchase shares of that Michael Jordan rookie with a half-million-dollar valuation if you don’t have the moolah to land the winning bid for the whole thing.

However burgeoning markets aside, there are a couple solid pieces of advice to keep in mind when you’re digging for the next T206 Honus Wagner card, a baseball card from 1909 known as one of the world’s most valuable — which last sold for around $3.1 million.

The first bit of advice given is to collect what you like and what you’re interested in, McLauchlin advises, because then, should the market dive in value as it did about 20 years ago, if you’re an unfortunate soul who bought at peak A Card Connection founder Mike Manning displays two sealed, 10-graded baseball cards at the value, then while you store. Grading, which has gained popularity in the last few decades, has become an especially might not have a great important process for serious collectors. investment at the moment, you’ll always have keepsakes more value. This aspect is more relat- condition and catalogues its existhat have value and interest to the ed to simple supply and demand, Mc- tence. With the recent boom in tradbeholder.

Lauchlin said, noting that in the last ing card sales, combined with sendThe second thing to remember, he 30 years, the rise of grading, which is ing a card through to a grader, even said, and this was more in terms of the rating of a cards value and then the cards printed in an oversaturated investment: Vintage tends to have the encasing of the card to protect market increase in value. that value, has codified, in many reThe last tip might be the toughspects, how a card is going to be evalest for collectors, unless they’re in uated and perhaps more significantsocial media and box-breaking presit just for the investment: Purchase ly for the more rarefied and sought ence online. “That’s the money right after collectibles, how many there are unopened boxes — and don’t open there, and it’s because you can target out there. That’s because when cards them. so many.” are sent to be graded, they become But while the past and future of “Unopened boxes are always rock part of a “population report,” which card collecting and selling may consolid ... if you keep it unopened,” he catalogues how many of a particular tinue to experience a back-and-forth added, because the expectation is alcard exist, as well as in what shape. relationship, the nostalgia and joy ways greater than the reality and peoObviously, the rarer the card is, the associated with the cards appears ple will pay for the privilege of tearing more valuable, which is why it’s safer timeless. to think an older card will be steadier open the pack and finding out if they Dean Hoban said he enjoyed comfound the next diamond in the rough ing to the card shop with his dad, get- once it attains a higher value, as the — or in this case, the 2015 box of Upting to pick out his favorite cards and quantity of the commodity is a little more known. take them home to open together. per Deck baseball cards.

Grading is a process that involves a “I’ve always been interested in it, McLauchlin also shares his musings professional and reputable authentialways enjoyed it, and I did it with on sports and collectibles on his webcator ensuring the card is not a fake my uncle,” said James Hoban, as his site, unpopularopinions-mclauchlin. son looked over at the cards just pur- or tampered with in any way. The blogspot.com. Caleb Lunetta contributchased and headed home to open the authenticator then gives the card a packs.  number ranking based on its physical ed to this report. 

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 7, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

It’s a flight path forged by fortitude

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

T

he men and women who make up the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Air Operations Unit enjoy a slightly different commute than most.

Early each morning, all personnel arrive at Whiteman Airport’s Barton Heliport, their home base.

The maintenance crew immediately gets to work inspecting the aircraft. While there are varying degrees of inspection needed, each aircraft will get a daily inspection, which takes them about 45 minutes to an hour.

Then, air crews get together for their morning briefing, where they discuss each crew’s duties for the day.

L.A. County is comprised of 4,751 square miles, and the department staffs a minimum of three aircraft 24/7, with a total of 10 aircraft in reserve.

Rather than leaving all three aircraft in one spot, air crews, typically made up of a pilot, crew chief paramedic and rescue paramedic, will reposition their aircraft across the county for better response time.

The first crew heads to Malibu, where they stand by until a half-hour before sunset, when they return to Whiteman. The second crew heads to Brackett Field Airport in La Verne, where they stay until the next morning.

The third team heads to Camp 9 on Sand Canyon Road in the summer fire season because of the fire-suppression aids based there, repositioning to Antelope Valley just before sunset. They, too, return to their home base the next morning.

This crew covers the geographic north third of the county, which includes the Santa Clarita Valley.

The entire Air Operations unit is comprised of 53 members — 12 pilots, 18 rescue paramedics and 23 maintenance support staff, all of which are essential to the mission.

Tight-knit crew

“We are a crew of three, but we have such a unique bond with the entire staff at air ops, because this aircraft doesn’t accomplish one mission without our maintenance staff and without all the logistical support that we get,” crew chief paramedic and Santa Clarita resident Michael Dubron said.

“It’s a huge team effort.”

Though the necessity has always been there, Dubron, who has spent 23 years with the unit, has seen the program grow due to the number of calls they receive.

“This is a multi-mission helicopter,” Dubron said.

“There’s only a handful of us in the world that do this.”

Emergency medical services make up the bulk of their calls, followed by search and rescue missions and brush fire responses.

Dubron credits his fellow staff, the county’s maintenance team and logistical support with every rescue they make. “It’s a huge team effort,” he said. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

“Our missions are very diverse,” he added.

“When the season is right … we can be out at Catalina Island on a January day at 76 degrees, then go up and do an ice-shoot rescue in terrible conditions all in the same day — it’s crazy.”

Depending on weather conditions, each air crew is ready to go within two to three minutes during the day and five minutes at night. Because they fly with the doors open, it may take them longer to suit up on depending on where they’re going. The more challenging missions come at night, when the dangers are more prevalent.

As crew chief paramedic, Dubron’s job is to operate the winch, which lowers the rescue paramedic to the scene. After harnessing himself in, he’ll stand on a step just outside the aircraft.

“While I’m sitting here talking to the pilot, he moves the aircraft as I tell him,” he said. “When we do that, if there’s someone down in a canyon, you’ve got to imagine the blades are getting relatively close to the terrain or hazards, as does the tail, so we’re very conscious of what we’re doing.”

Each member of the crew has to be aware of how big the aircraft footprint is, such as where the wheels go and how wide the blades are (46 feet), and though they aren’t all trained pilots, they all know how to take off and land in case of emergency.

“It’s a great job — I’ve been blessed,” Dubron said.

He’s been with the department for nearly 29

years, and has been flying for most of that time.

Dubron moved to the Santa Clarita Valley at 2, and though he moved away and graduated high school in Oregon, his intention was always to get back to Southern California.

He went into the Air Force, and fell in love with being a firefighter. While stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, he was in a flying fireman program, which was when he got his first taste of aviation.

After spending a year with the department, first at Station 73, then in the Antelope Valley, Dubron was drafted into the paramedic program.

“I am one of those guys that is fascinated with the human body,” he said, so it was a perfect fit.

Once he’d completed training, he ended up back in the SCV, first on paramedic squad 124, then 107.

“I love working in the community that I grew up in and still live in.”

He had always had a love of aviation, and when a friend offered him a spot in air operations, he jumped at the opportunity, which was where he has now spent the bulk of his career.

While firefighting has been his primary job, an unexpected illness created a whole new mission for Dubron.

A change of course

In 2002, Dubron was feeling extremely fatigued, See AIR OPS, page 21

M A R C H 7, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

New SCV Sheriff’s Station project nears completion

By Ken Striplin City Manager

T

he City of Santa Clarita continues to rank among the safest cities in California and across the nation thanks to the dedication and tireless work of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station, as well as the vigilance of our residents. By working together and investing in resources and operations, the City and Sheriff ’s Station have seen the crime rate in Santa Clarita drop to all-time lows over the past few years.

Part of this investment has been in a new facility for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station to replace the current one on Valencia Boulevard that has been in use since the early 1970s. Through a partnership between the City, Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn

Barger and the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department, much progress has been made on a new facility located on Golden Valley Road between Centre Pointe Parkway and Robert C. Lee Parkway.

The new Sheriff ’s Station does more than just provide additional space for deputies and staff to work. It is also centrally located in the Santa Clarita Valley, allowing for enhanced service throughout the City. As we move into the final stages of construction, I am pleased to report that the station remains on track to be completed and turned over to the county in the second quarter of this year.

When you drive past the construction site, you will notice that finishing touches are now being put on the station buildings. Already complete are exterior site improvements along Golden Valley Road, as well as site landscaping and parking lot paving.

In the final weeks of construction, crews will be finalizing a number of

interior and infrastructure items to get the facility operational. Currently in progress are electrical work in the main station and vehicle maintenance building, as well as the installation of all mechanical systems.

Utility connections to the site are also being made this month, and teams are continuing work on the station’s helipad and site drainage system. In terms of the aesthetics, the contractor is working on finish materials and painting building interiors, while also completing exterior building veneers.

We look forward to completing this project, which has been a long time coming and was also a major piece in the Santa Clarita 2020 strategic plan.

When it opens, the 46,552 square-foot Sheriff ’s Station will include a Type I detention facility, a 4,165 square-foot vehicle maintenance building, a communications tower and a helipad. It will also feature two civic art pieces, which will consist of windows that will be clearly visible from the exterior of the building, as well as a mural located in the station’s lobby.

More information will continue to be shared about the progress being made at the Sheriff ’s Station in the coming weeks. To stay up-to-date on all capital improvement projects in Santa Clarita, please visit the City’s website at santa-clarita.com/CIP.

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

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M A R C H 7, 2021

H E A LT H

What to expect when your newborn needs NICU care

I

f you have a baby who is born too early or has serious health problems, he or she may be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, a hospital unit that provides around-the-clock specialized care to newborns.

If you or someone close to you is pregnant, understanding what to expect if a NICU stay is required can help you focus on taking care of the new baby and yourself.

Learn the ins and outs of the NICU with information from March of Dimes, the nation’s leading nonprofit that advocates for the health of all moms and babies, which partners with hospitals across the country through its NICU Family Support® program to provide in-person and online support for families with babies in the NICU.

Common NICU conditions

Babies born too early and other sick newborns may face a variety of medical issues. Among common

Life After the NICU

I

t can be hard to get used to being at home with your baby after a stay in the NICU. These tips can help you adjust to life at home with your baby:

causes for a NICU stay may include preterm birth, complications during labor and delivery, birth defects, genetic conditions or other illnesses.

Tests to expect

Your baby may have tests and monitoring done in the NICU to determine health conditions and treatments for him or her to grow and be healthy.

Some tests, like blood tests, are common. Others are just for babies with certain health conditions. Depending on his or her condition, your baby might need scans or imaging to find out what’s happening. You can also expect various screenings for vision and hearing, and monitoring for things like weight changes and urine tests, which can tell health care providers about your baby’s overall condition.

Coping with the stress

When your baby is in the NICU, it may be hard to think about taking care of yourself. However, taking care of yourself can help you stay well and have more energy to spend time with your baby.

Get A Flu Shot.

Take A Covid Test.

• Stick to a daily routine. Every day, take a shower, eat regular meals, drink plenty of water and get a good night’s sleep. As part of your routine, decide when you want to be with your baby in the NICU. Schedule breaks from the NICU.

Be A Super-Spreader Of Hope.

Wait where you want. Join the virtual line.

ExerVirtualLine.com

• No appointment necessary • Open 7 days a week from 9am to 9pm* (Last patient registered at 8:30pm) ExerUrgentCare.com

When you have questions about your baby or your baby’s care, call your child’s pediatrician. n Take your baby to all his or her wellchild visits. These are medical checkups where your baby’s health care provider checks his or her health and development to make sure things are going well. n Ask family members, friends and neighbors for help at home. Tell them exactly what you need them to do. For example, tell them if you need help with the laundry, running errands or taking care of your other children. n Take extra steps to keep your baby healthy while he or she is building an immune system, especially during cold and flu season. Limit the number of visitors and only welcome those who are healthy. Ask visitors to wash their hands before touching the baby. Do not allow smoking near your child. (Family Features)  n

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• Follow COVID-19 protocols while connecting with other NICU families at NICU classes, in the family lounge or in the NICU hallways. They may understand what you’re experiencing and be able to offer guidance. You can find a supportive online environment that provides advice and resources, and allows you to connect with communities of other NICU families that have had similar experiences, at marchofdimes.org/onlinecommunities.aspx.

• You may experience many emotions when your baby’s in the NICU. Talking to a counselor may help you sort through your feelings. Some-

times it’s helpful to talk to someone trained to help you work through stress and navigate challenges like going back to work, the baby blues or postpartum depression.

Paying for your baby’s stay

Health insurance helps pay for medical care. If your insurance doesn’t cover all the health care costs for your baby, ask the NICU social worker or case manager about your options. A social worker can assist you with finding resources and services to help care for your baby. You can also meet with the hospital’s finance department about setting up a payment plan. A case manager may also oversee a baby’s discharge from the hospital and help set up home care services and supplies, if needed.

Learn more about the NICU and find articles and resources for your family at marchofdimes.org/NICU or by downloading the My NICU Baby App. (Family Features) 

M A R C H 7, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

SENIORLIVING

What those aged 50+ need to know about shingles

A

t age 57, journalist, songwriter and Maryland resident Alice was getting ready for her wedding and writing her first musical when she contracted shingles.

“I love to write songs, play piano and sing. A few days before the Fourth of July, I woke up with a tingling sensation in my eye and the worst headache I’d ever experienced.”

Alice saw her ophthalmologist but was sent home without a diagnosis.

Her headache continued to intensify to the point where she went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with a migraine. “I was so frustrated because I’d never felt excruciating pain like this before and I was scared because no one could tell me what was wrong.”

When the pain still didn’t subside, she returned to the emergency room, only to be sent home again with a migraine and pain medication. Two days later, she developed a rash on her forehead and her primary care physician diagnosed her with shingles.

Anyone who has gotten chickenpox is at risk of contracting shingles, also known as herpes zoster. When chickenpox becomes dormant within the nerves, it can reactivate later in life, causing shingles.

Shingles typically presents as a painful, itchy rash that develops on one side of the body and can last for two to four weeks.

“In addition to the pain, my eye was extremely sensitive to light,” said Alice. “I spent most of the next few months hiding in my darkened room, which was not like me.”

Other complications of shingles include scarring, vision complications, secondary infection and nerve palsies. She continued to see specialists to treat ongoing symptoms. “One doctor said, ‘The pain could go away, or it might not.’ I was devastated,” added Alice.

In order to cope with her condition, Alice wrote a musical with 16 songs about her experience with shingles called My Beautiful Darkened World.

“The pain of shingles was overwhelming, but the feelings of isolation were intolerable,” said Alice, “I

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dealt with shingles the only way I knew how — by writing songs about my experience.”

Before her diagnosis, she didn’t think shingles was a concern for a healthy person her age. She didn’t know that the disease was more common than she thought, with approximately one in three people in the United States at risk for shingles in their lifetime.

Alice learned firsthand that shingles doesn’t play favorites. After living with shingles-related eye complications for six months, Alice returned to good health and made it a priority to get vaccinated to help prevent shingles.

Alice has now dedicated herself to educating others about shingles. “I’m doing everything I can to help others understand that if you’re age 50 or over, chances are that you may be at risk for developing shingles.”

If you’re 50 years of age and older, talk to your doctor about vaccination against shingles. Vaccination will help reduce the risk of developing shingles and the potential long-term pain from post-herpetic neuralgia, a common complication caused by the disease.

For more information, visit www.

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This is one person’s experience; other people’s experience with shingles may be different. (BPT. Content sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline) 

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1 2 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 7, 2021

FOOD

C

orned beef and cabbage might not be a part of many people’s diet regimens throughout the year. But come March 17, it’s not uncommon to find people from all walks of life indulging in this beloved meal.

March 17 marks the celebration of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Over the years, the day has also become a celebration of the Emerald Isle.

Such celebrations tend to feature corned beef and cabbage, even though the dish may have little to do with Ireland (and even less to do with St. Patrick).

The precise origins of the link between corned beef and St. Patrick’s Day remain a topic of debate, but some historians say the corned beef enjoyed today can be traced to New York City’s Irish immigrant population in the 19th and 20th centuries, who popularized a salted meat made from brisket that was then sold by Jewish butchers.

Regardless of the authenticity of its link to Ireland, corned beef is delicious and many modern Paddy’s Day celebrants wouldn’t think of going without it on March 17. Those who want to cook up their own can try this recipe for Corned Beef and Cabbage from Arthur Schwartz’s “New York City Food” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang).

Corned Beef and Cabbage Serves 6 to 8 Cook a whole brisket with both sections together with all its fat. (You can trim off the fat after the

meat is cooked.) Whole brisket and second-cut corned beef brisket are hard to find, but your supermarket should have first-cut corned beef vacuum-packed in plastic. Choose the fattiest piece in the case and treat it gently.

You can cook the cabbage and potatoes in the same water as the corned beef. Because the other vegetables need to be cooked in water that simmers more than the meat, scoop out water from the corned beef pot and cook the vegetables in a separate pot or pots.

1 4- to 5-pound corned beef brisket 1 teaspoon pickling spices 1 head cabbage 2 pounds boiling potatoes 6 to 8 small carrots (optional)

Parsnips (optional)

Turnips (optional) Place the corned beef in a pot that holds at least 5 quarts of water. Cover completely with cold water.

Place over high heat and bring to a simmer.

As soon as bubbles start to break on the surface of the water, adjust the heat so the water simmers very, very gently. With a slotted spoon, skim off the residue that accumulates on the surface. When the residue stops coming to the surface, add the pickling spices.

Continue to cook, with bubbles just gently breaking on the surface, for 3 to 4 hours, until fork tender.

The meat can be safely held in its water for about 2 hours; reheat gently.

Cook the vegetables until fork tender in separate pots of boiling fresh water or, especially for the cabbage, use some of the water in which the corned beef was cooked.

Slice the corned beef and serve with mustard and/ or horseradish on a platter, surrounded with some of the vegetables or with vegetables in a separate bowl. (MC) 

And for desert? Lucky Shamrock Cookies

I

t’s your lucky day because you don’t have to search for the pot of gold under the rainbow for this winning recipe. Throw out the old Irish classics and sweeten things up this year with some mint chocolate chip fun.

To start the recipe, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, add butter, sugar, eggs, green food coloring and peppermint extract for that crisp mint flavor.

Beat with a hand mixture and combine the ingredients in both bowls together.

Add chocolate chips to the mixed cookie batter.

Scoop onto a baking sheet and bake at 375 F for 1124 minutes until the edges of the cookies are light brown. Cool on a wire rack before devouring.

With so much mixing and scooping to be done, this is a great recipe for kids to get involved in the kitchen, too. One of the best parts is the eye-catching color. Watch their smiling little faces as the batter turns from light brown to dark green.

After being perfectly baked, these cookies are bright, fun and will be the hit of any celebration.

Soft in the middle, a little crisp on the edges and as green as can be. You can’t ask for much more on St. Patrick’s Day.

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Servings: 24-32 2 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup butter, softened 1 1/4 cups sugar 2 eggs 30 drops green food coloring 1 teaspoon peppermint extract 1 package (12 ounces) chocolate chips Heat oven to 375 F. In large bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt until blended. Set aside.

In medium bowl, beat butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs, food coloring and peppermint extract; beat until combined.

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; beat until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto baking sheet.

Bake 11-14 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.

Cool on wire racks. (Family Features) 

M A R C H 7, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

R E S TA U R A N T S

Local restaurants now open for dining outdoors

D

ining out was once a rarity reserved for special occasions. More recently, consumption of food away from home has played an increasingly larger role in everyday life.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there has been a rise in dining out since the 1970s due, in part, to the variety of restaurants and two-income households.

One shouldn’t discount the wide array of options and the convenience that dining out can provide. There are many advantages to dining out, and the decision to do so during the pandemic can help local restaurants stay afloat as they continue to confront the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak.

It’s fun and exciting

Dining out can be a fun and exciting experience that takes people away from the routine of daily life.

Dining out presents an opportunity to look forward to a specific day on

the calendar. For many, it can be a respite from making meals at home.

Dining out is a social endeavor, even if you aren’t interacting with that many other people in the restaurant.

sures and distractions. Such meals also can be a great way for managers to foster strong relationships and build camaraderie within their teams.

Introduces new foods

Convenience

Dining at a restaurant can be eye-opening for customers willing to try new things. Restaurants that specialize in ethnic cuisine can introduce diners to classic recipes from around the world — something they may not normally try if they do not dine out.

Prolongs the dinner hour

Dining out gives diners a chance to linger and converse without the distractions of home and daily schedules. A restaurant can be a good way to focus on communication with family and friends.

Escape workplace distractions

A workday lunch or business meeting held at a restaurant can help coworkers escape workplace pres-

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One of the best arguments for eating out is the convenience factor.

When time is of the essence, making a reservation, eating out and allowing the restaurant to handle every-

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Dining out has been gaining popularity for more than 40 years. Individuals and families can explore the many different advantages to enjoying a meal at a local eatery.

(MC) 

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1 4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 7, 2021

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

Marla Grayson cares a lot; ‘Kenan’ is warm, funny

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘I Care a Lot’

1/2 (out of four) 

Netflix presents a film written and directed by J Blakeson. Rated R (for language throughout and some violence). Running time: 118 minutes.

W

ho’s up for a bloody good time?

The Netflix original movie “I Care a Lot” is a vicious and cheerfully twisted psychological thriller dripping in deception and dread, bathed in pop-art colors and infused with a wickedly dark sense of humor. If you turn off your Plausibility Meter from the moment you see the big red Netflix “N” and hear that “Ta-dummmmmm” sound and keep it off throughout this deliciously nasty and increasingly byzantine tale of cons and crooks and gangsters caught up in a tangled web of criminal deceit, you’re in for a crazy good time.

The British actress Rosamund Pike (“Gone Girl,” “A Private War”) once again slips seamlessly into an American accent and delivers a performance alternately icy cool and scalding hot as Marla Grayson, a symphony of blond bob, tastefully coordinated outfits, spiked heels, designer sunglasses and an ever-present cloud of vape pipe smoke who works as a high-end conservator. In one court appearance after another, Marla advocates for senior citizens who no longer can care for themselves while Marla becomes their guardian and takes control of every facet of their lives — including the liquidation of their assets.

She cares. A lot. That’s what Marla keeps telling the befuddled seniors as they’re hauled away to the Berkshire Oaks Senior Living Facility, as well as the relatives who are prevented from seeing Mom or Grandma or Uncle Pete because it’s too upsetting, not to mention the compassionate but not too perceptive judge (Isiah Whitlock Jr.) who rules in Marla’s favor every time she appears in front of him, supposedly advocating for another poor soul who can no longer take care of herself.

As we quickly learn, Marla couldn’t

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

possibly care less about these senior citizens. She’s a coldblooded predator, a con artist, a slickly manipulative sociopath who literally covers her office walls with profile pics of current and potential victims.

Here’s how the cons play out. Marla works in precision-like tandem with conspirators including her professional and romantic partner Fran (Eiza Gonzalez); the ethically bankrupt Dr. Karen Amos (Alicia Witt), who signs the paperwork committing senior citizens to care facilities; and the smarmy Sam Rice (Damian Young), who is the director of Berkshire Oaks Senior Living Facility and alerts Marla every time a room becomes available — and also makes sure the residents are heavily medicated, under constant watch and without their cellphones so they can’t make a break for it or try to contact a relative. The appallingly corrupt system works to perfection, as Marla sells off everything her victims own while doling out cuts to her partners in crime.

Enter one Jennifer Peterson (Dianne Wiest, perfection as always), who is what Marla and her ilk call a “cherry” — a wealthy retiree who never married, never had children, has no family of any kind and has exhibited just enough tendencies for Dr. Amos to massage the paperwork and declare them unfit to look after themselves. At the drop of the judge’s gavel, Marla shows up at Jennifer’s doorstep with state troopers looming in the background, informs Jennifer she’ll be taken to her new home at the

senior living facility, and then methodically goes about the business of putting Jennifer’s house on the market, auctioning off her possessions and even raiding her safe deposit box at the bank, all under the auspices of a legal and binding agreement.

Pike and Gonzalez make for a great love-to-hate-them tandem; what they’re doing should earn them a special place in hell, yet they clearly relish gaming the system and even seem to be turned on by their criminal triumphs. They’re riding high and raking in the bucks, and all seems well in their twisted world — and that’s when a high-priced attorney (Chris Messina) who looks like he walked out of a mob movie shows up at Marla’s office and tells her Jennifer has some very powerful friends, and if Marla doesn’t arrange for Jennifer’s freedom, it’s going to get very uncomfortable for her, very quickly.

Peter Dinklage sinks his chops into the role of Roman Lunyov, a temperamental crime boss with a huge personal and professional stake in Jennifer’s release. Even when Roman is holding nothing but an iced latte in his hand, it feels like he’s wielding a lethal weapon.

Wiest is fantastically funny as Jennifer, who has been smothered in a cloud of drugs at the facility but is still greatly amused when Marla asks her about the threats she’s been receiving. “Oh … you’re in trouble now,” says Jennifer with a killer smile, and that’s the understatement of the year.

Writer-director J Blakeson infuses “I Care a Lot” with an electric, offthe-rails energy, as the story grows ever more violent.

‘Kenan’

 NBC

C

onsidering Kenan Thompson has the longest alltime tenure as a “Saturday Night Live” cast member, having joined the likes of Darrell Hammond, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey and Fred Armisen in 2003 and continuing through the current season, it’s a wonder it took NBC this long to hand Thompson the keys to his own prime-time vehicle, a single-camera comedy titled simply “Kenan.”

I’ve seen the pilot for “Kenan” and while it’s hardly groundbreaking, must-see TV, it’s a warm and funny slice-of-comfort viewing, featuring a winning performance by Thompson, strong work from the supporting cast and some admirably thought-provoking, issues-based situations baked into the comedy. Thompson maintains his sunny but occasionally edgy persona as he slips comfortably into the role of a recently widowed father struggling to balance fatherhood and his job as the host of an upbeat, Atlanta-based, local morning TV show called “Wake Up With Kenan!”

BTW, Don Johnson plays his meddling, live-in father-in-law, and if that sounds like stunt casting, of course it is, but Johnson proves to be adept at the rhythms of dialogue-driven, punchline-oriented comedic timing.

There’s something kind of wacky and wonderful about seeing Thompson, fellow “SNL” player Chris Redd as Kenan’s brother Gary and the slickster crime-stopper from “Miami Vice” and “Nash Bridges” exchanging banter around the kitchen table while Kenan’s adorable daughters crack up at these loving, clueless parental units.

The pilot toggles back and forth between scenes of Kenan at home with his two whip-smart daughters, Aubrey and Birdie (real-life sisters and YouTube stars Dani and Dannah Lane, respectively), his party-bachelor brother/ manager and his wisecracking fatherin-law, and workplace hijinks on the set of “Wake Up With Kenan!” with Kimrie Lewis as Kenan’s high-strung but loyal executive producer Mika.

One subplot involves Kenan digging himself deeper and deeper into politically incorrect territory with an ad-libbed monologue; another has Kenan struggling to talk about his wife on his show or at home. We also learn Kenan was formerly an actor and starred in a sitcom in which his future wife, Cori (Niccole Thurman), played his mother. Wait, what? Kenan pops in an old VHS of outtakes from the show, and the kids groan at the obvious sexual undercurrent when “mom” tucks him into bed. “I’m amazed they kept us as long as they did,” says Kenan. 

Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun-Times

M A R C H 7, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

HOME

Affordable tips for spring decorations and celebrations

Congratulations

Congratulations to these award-winning agents in our Santa Clarita office!

DOUBLE CENTURION® Producer

T

he arrival of spring brings with it warming temperatures, blooming flowers and endless springtime celebrations. It is also an opportunity to try something new, whether it is in the garden, kitchen or around the home.

To help find the fun this season, the experts at Dollar General are offering some affordable spring tips and tricks for celebrating and decorating.

Spring into the season

Celebrate spring holidays with extra flair around the home. From adding a colorful vase of flowers to the coffee table, a new wreath on the front door or new pastel-col-

ored pillows for the couch, seasonal decorative touches can help provide a fresh look and pops of color to any home. Consider adding festive holiday-themed decorations too, like a centerpiece filled with plastic eggs on the dining room table.

The season of new beginnings

As they say, April showers bring May flowers. To celebrate the season of new beginnings, set some time aside to plan out this season’s garden with fresh flowers, as well as fruits and vegetables to enjoy all summer long. Spruce up your home’s outdoor spaces by painting flowerpots bright new colors and by adding new outdoor or solar lights. With longer days approaching, having the perfect outdoor oasis may invite everyone to spend more time outside.

Try out a seasonal spring recipe

Spring can also be the perfect time to try out a new recipe, whether it is a new side, main dish or a sweet seasonal dessert. Get some inspiration from DG Easy Meals, which provides meal ideas that anyone in the family can try out, including “Better For You” recipes that offer healthier food choices using ingredients readily found at DG stores. Featured recipes include a BBQ chicken salad perfect for a spring cookout, an apple slaw with honey mustard vinaigrette to complement any weeknight dinner and pink bunny cupcakes that can be assembled as a tasty activity for kids.

By freshening up home decor, creating a dreamy outdoor space or trying out the latest spring recipes, everyone can affordably find something to be excited for this spring. (SPT) 

KATHLEEN BRUNO

CENTURION® Producer

DEBBIE BRISCOE

MASTERS EMERALD Producer

LESLIE KREUZBERGER

Visit us at www.c21everest.com

Each office is independently owned and operated.

CalDRE #01994886

1 6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 7, 2021

GARDENING

Bare root planting season in Santa Clarita Don’t plant the plant deeper than this line. Ask someone at the nursery where you are purchasing your plants to show you if you are unsure before you take the plant home.

As you fill the hole, gently work the soil in and around the roots. Tamp down gently, do not pack the soil down firmly.

When the hole is half full, soak the area with water.

Continue to fill the hole and construct a water-holding basin around the plant.

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

T

here is still time to head to the nursery for your bare root roses, trees and vines.

Mike Wronkowski, nursery manager of Green Thumb Nursery, says fruit trees, roses, grapes, rhubarb, strawberries and asparagus all do well in our valley. And, fruit trees and roses are among the most popular bare root plants here.

“I try to corner the fruit tree market,” said Wronkowski. “You can find just about any kind of fruit tree you want in stock now.”

Wronkowski said peaches, nectarines and plums, as well as persimmons, are very popular in the SCV. Also popular is what Wronkowski called the “fruit salad” fruit tree.

“It has peaches, plums, apricots and nectarines all growing on one tree,” he said.

Buying bare root

When buying bare root plants make sure to examine the plants carefully before purchase.

There should not be any mold or mildew on the plants or on their packaging.

You should not smell any rotten or “funny” odors. If it smells like dirt, or earth, that is okay.

Make sure the plant is not damaged, a few broken twigs on a bare root fruit tree are okay, but the main branches should be unbroken.

Experts suggest avoiding purchasing a bare root plant that already has new growth.

Roots, rhizomes and other parts should feel “heavy.” If the bare root

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Soil amendments

Green Thumb Nursery Manager Mike Wronkowski examines the selection of bare root fruit trees at Green Thumb Nursery in Newhall. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

plant feels unusually light, it most likely has dried out and the roots are dead.

Do not buy more bare root plants at one time than you can plant in 24 hours. After you get your bare root plants home, don’t let the roots dry out.

Planting bare root

Before planting make sure to carefully unpack the roots and spread them out. Remove all the packing material from the roots.

Never cut the roots to fit the hole, dig the hole wider or deeper to accommodate the roots.

Place the root portion of the plant in a bucket of water and let it soak before you plant. For trees soak three to six hours. Do not soak the roots for more than 24 hours. For perennials, asparagus and strawberries, 30 minutes to one hour will do the job.

Dig a hole that is wide enough and deep enough to put the plant in without bending or crowding the roots.

Rule of thumb is to dig a hole at least twice as wide and deep as you think you will need. The wider the hole the easier it will be for the roots to grow strong in the “worked” soil.

As you plant, spread the roots out evenly over a dirt cone in the bottom

of the hole.

Wronkowski said the No. 1 mistake people make when planting bare root is planting too deeply. The plant should be placed in the hole at the same level it was grown by the nursery.

Look to see where the roots start and the top shoots begin (the crown).

The soil is the SCV is known to be very heavy with clay, said Wronkowski.

“Because of the clay in the soil we have to use soil amendments in the SCV. For roses, I like to use a product called Rose Grow. I mix about 50% of Rose Grow and 50% native soil.”

Wronkowski recommends using a premium planting mix for fruit trees.

If the soil is sandy, he recommends using a 50-50 mix, but if you have the typical SCV clay soil you should increase it to 70% planting mix and 30% soil.

Green Thumb is located at 23734 Newhall Ave., Newhall. The phone number is (661) 259-1071. 

Customer Jeff Ralston looks through the bare root fruit trees trying to select a citrus and avocado tree for his back yard.

M A R C H 7, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

PETS

Expert tips for maintaining your pet’s healthy weight

W

hile many loving pet owners are unaware their pet may not be at their healthiest weight, the fact is that more than half of cats and dogs in the U.S. are indeed overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

Overweight pets tend to be less active, experience joint pain, groom less and develop more health conditions, so it’s important to take a proactive approach to help your pets live a long, healthy life.

Two of Purina’s pet experts, behaviorist Dr. Annie Valuska and veterinarian Dr. Callie Harris, help by answering frequently asked questions about pet weight concerns:

How can you tell if your pet is a healthy weight?

“A great way to start is to give your pet a ‘healthy hug,’” advises Dr. Harris. This involves three steps: 1. Evaluate the ribs: Place your hands gently on your pet’s sides. You should be able to run your hands down their chest and feel their ribs without having to “press” or “dig” in.

2. Evaluate the waist: Stand above your pet. You should be able to see a waistline or an “hourglass” shape.

3. Evaluate the abdomen: Stand to the side of your pet. Your pet should have a nice abdominal tuck.

How much should you feed your pet?

Dr. Harris says, “Be sure to feed your pet with the amount instructed on your pet’s food labels. You can find specific directions for Purina products on each bag of food. However, if you are still concerned about over or under feeding, discuss with your veterinarian so they can evaluate your pet and make nutritional recommendations.”

Dr. Valuska adds, “No matter how much your pets try to convince you otherwise, feeding them table scraps is never a good idea. Remove the temptation to give them a bite of your dinner by training them to spend meal time away from the table — in a crate, for example — and reward their good manners with pet-appropriate treats and praise.”

How do you get exercise into your pet’s routine?

Dr. Harris says, “One easy way for pet owners with dogs to exercise is to take them on daily walks. However, if outdoor walks are not obtainable due to weather, consider creating activities in the home with your dogs such as ‘find the treat’ using treat

What do you do when your pet begs like they’re still hungry?

Dr. Valuska asks, “Are you sure your pet is hungry? Our first impulse when pets start pestering us is to assume they want food, but pets may actually be asking for attention, exercise or playtime. Next time you think your pet is begging for food, try offering some ear scratches, a fun play session with a favorite toy or a walk outside instead.

“If your pet is still hungry, one way you may be able to help your pet feel fuller longer is to extend their mealtime. Try using slow feed bowls or puzzle feeders.”

20 0 2

“If you suspect your pets are overweight, consider switching to a weight management food for adult dogs and cats to help them achieve and maintain a healthy weight,” she says.

“A few Purina formulas I’d recommend include: Beneful Healthy Weight with Farm-Raised Chicken Dry Adult Dog Food, which uses calorie-smart nutrition to help dogs maintain a healthy weight; Pro Plan Adult Weight Management for cats and dogs, which maintains muscle mass during weight loss; Purina ONE Ideal Weight High Protein for adult cats that helps spayed and neutered cats burn fat and maintain a healthy weight; and Purina ONE Healthy Weight High Protein for adult dogs, which promotes lean body mass in your dog and helps maintain a healthy body condition even after a

healthy weight is achieved.”

Dr. Harris adds, “It’s also always good idea to consult with your veterinarian to rule out potential medical problems that could cause weight gain.”

mats. You can even be strategic about where you place your food and water bowls to encourage your dog to get up and move.”

Dr. Valuska adds, “Cats need exercise, too! Engage their instincts with a game of chase — this can be with a laser pointer, a ball or a toy on the end of a wand. Some cats prefer to ‘hunt’ toys along the ground, while others are more excited by trying to catch toys out of the air. Try different combinations with your cat and see what they like best. If you do use a laser pointer, make sure you always end the game with the laser on a toy that your cat can catch to ensure your cat doesn’t end up feeling frustrated or anxious.”

Helping your pet achieve and maintain a healthy weight is important to their overall well-being. For more resources and to see Purina’s full portfolio of healthy weight formulas, visit www.purina.com/healthypets.

(BPT) 

1 8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 7, 2021

AUTOMOTIVE

Insurance considerations for the road ahead

A

s we move away from a year unlike any other, Americans have developed a newfound tolerance for uncertainty — and the need to prepare for it.

The start of a new year is a time for resolutions, especially financial ones.

As part of this process, it is essential to review your insurance coverage across the board-from health insurance, to life insurance, and other related products.

The number of available options can make the process opaque — premiums, deductibles and coverage levels — all play a role in decision making. Consumers need to know what to look for and assess what new products could enhance their existing coverage and make their finances more secure throughout 2021 and beyond.

This doesn’t need to be a painful process, and AARP members have access to a variety resources and ben-

ness, a disappearing deductible, or a new car replacement benefit.

Motorcycle owners can also explore their insurance options with The AARP® Motorcycle Insurance Program from Foremost®. It offers members discounts and specialized coverage for their bike, equipment and safety apparel, plus roadside assistance specific for motorcycles.

Life insurance

efits that can help.

Below are some key considerations when reviewing insurance coverage and policies in a variety of areas for the new year.

Homeowners insurance

Home ownership is on the rise in the United States, and with it the

need for tailored homeowner’s insurance. To get the best deal, consumers need to assess policy coverage level, flexibility and price before they commit, particularly as a premium can change from year to year. The AARP® Homeowners Insurance Program from The Hartford offers members customized solutions to both owners and renters so they can protect their homes and property at a price that fits their budget.

Make sure your policy covers your unique needs. If you own a mobile home, for example, explore your options with the AARP® Mobile Home Insurance Program from Foremost®, which offers AARP members specialized protection designed for nearly every type of mobile and manufactured home. Specialized insurance policies from Foremost are designed to complement your lifestyle so you can find the best fit for you.

Auto insurance

The current environment has led to an increase in car sales, both new and used, and auto insurance options are expected to become even more numerous in 2021. Look for plans that offer multiple ways to lower your costs while still providing quality coverage and great service.

If you’re a safe and experienced driver, you could save hundreds on car insurance with the AARP® Auto Insurance Program From The Hartford. Ask about additional benefits that can help you reduce out-of-pocket expenses if you do get into an accident, such as first accident forgive-

Many consumers are looking for added peace of mind to ensure those they are closest to are properly taken care of. But, they don’t know where to start in assessing their life insurance needs.

Valuable coverage is available through the AARP Life Insurance Program from New York Life. The program offers AARP members level benefit term life as well as permanent life insurance. No medical exam is required, just health information.

Annuities

Another great resource for AARP members is a retirement product offered through Blueprint Income.

AARP® Annuity Marketplace powered by Blueprint Income is an online marketplace of annuities that offer guaranteed return or income from highly-rated insurers. These products can give you peace of mind in retirement, and shopping in a marketplace enables you to compare a number of available options before you make crucial insurance decisions.

As we have now entered a new year, savvy consumers are reviewing all available options and making sure they get the best options that secure all aspects of their lives, particularly given the uncertainty that has continued into 2021. The best coverage takes into account the needs of Americans who are 50 plus and makes the policy fit around you, not the other way around. Consider reviewing if you have any insurance-related concerns on your 2021 checklist.

AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. AARP does not employ or endorse agents, producers or brokers.

For more information, visit www. aarp.org/benefits-discounts/ campaigns/finance. (BPT) 

M A R C H 7, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

TECHNOLOGY

Avoiding costly subscription or reoccuring service fees

W

hat may have started as a deal too good to pass up could end up costing you for months to come.

Costly subscription services could be charging your debit or credit card monthly and if you don’t keep close tabs on your accounts, you may not even be aware.

The hook may come in the form of an advertisement for a product or service with a surprisingly low price or a promise for goods at just the cost of shipping. But once you provide your card information and place your order, you’ve signed yourself up for a recurring fee buried in the fine print.

“It’s always important to evaluate why something seems too good to be true,” said Joseph Grant, operations group manager for card loss prevention at PNC’s Customer Care Center. “In some cases these merchants are counting on the fact that consumers aren’t paying enough attention to the fine print or their bank statements to know they’re racking up recurring charges based on a one-time purchase.”

Grant said the issue is more common than people might expect. Confused customers often ask for help identifying the unexpected charges or refunding the fees. In early 2020, Visa updated its rules for merchants offering free trials or subscription

services in an attempt to provide transparency and control for purchasers.

“This practice isn’t illegal, it’s just unfortunately often deceptive,” Grant said. “There’s no guarantee that money spent can be recouped, which can lead to a lot of extra time spent in the dispute process with a merchant.”

Grant encourages consumers to be vigilant when making online purchases. Consider these tips to help you avoid or identify trials that could turn into a recurring charge.

• Research what you are buying and who you are buying from. An internet search will likely reveal if others have had negative experiences with a merchant.

Help Prevent Pesticide Pollution

Avoid using pesticides or use them sparingly.

Follow the instructions and turn off sprinklers before applying.

• Read the fine print before finalizing your order.

Be on the lookout for any language about recurring or subscription fees.

• Watch for check boxes that may enroll you in subscription services or additional marketing.

• Save any emails confirming your order, which will likely note any important dates or upcoming charges.

• Keep tabs on email for any notifications about an upcoming subscription charge.

• Investigate the merchant’s customer service practices. If it’s not easy to get in touch with them, they’re likely not someone you want to do business with.

• Find out how easy it is to cancel or unsubscribe from a service before you make a purchase.

• Monitor your bank statements and review account activity.

• Contact the merchant quickly to help prevent additional charges if you discover that you have incurred a subscription-related charge and would like to cancel.

“The biggest key is just to be aware, both of what you’re signing up for as well as what is happening with money in your account on an ongoing basis,” Grant said. “When all parties are transparent, it makes for a better experience for everyone.” (StatePoint) 

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M A R C H 4, 2021

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

An easy, crunchy peanut-brittle recipe

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon baking soda

lassic recipes sometimes scare me off. Too many steps, too many risks for failure and too many pans to clean. No wonder I was thrilled years ago when my mom shared her easy technique for making peanut brittle. It all comes together in the microwave.

Reduced to these simple steps without need for a candy thermometer, your family will enjoy the salty-sweet confection in no time at all. Just be sure to spread out the hot mixture thinly on a warm pan to ensure the “brittleness” when it cools.

1. Butter or spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Warm in an oven just before you pour the mixture onto it.

C

Microwave peanut brittle 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup roasted, salted peanuts 1 teaspoon unsalted butter

2. In a 1-1/2-quart-size microwave-safe glass bowl, stir together sugar, corn syrup and salt until smooth. Microwave on high setting for 4 minutes.

3. Stir in peanuts. Microwave on high for about 3 minutes, or until light brown.

4. Stir in butter and vanilla. Microwave on high for 2 minutes more or until peanuts are lightly browned and mixture is golden in color. (Microwaves vary, so keep an eye on it at all times to ensure peanuts do not burn.) Remove carefully, as syrup will be very hot.

5. Add baking soda and gently stir

thoroughly. Immediately pour mixture onto the warm baking sheet. Spread evenly with a greased spatula.

6. Cool and let stand until hardened,

about 30 minutes. Break into serving-size pieces. Store extra candy between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container.

Note You may substitute roasted cashews or almonds for the peanuts.

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.

M A R C H 7, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1

AIR OPS

Continued from page 8

as though, “somebody took a needle and syringe and sucks every cc of energy out of my body — I felt like that all the time.”

After insisting to doctors he knew something was wrong, he was diagnosed with cancer in 2003. As a paramedic who was constantly saving others, Dubron had suddenly felt as though he wasn’t in control.

“Never in a million years did cancer ever come up — I was 39,” he said.

“All of a sudden I was told I had cancer, and I had no clue what to do.”

He was given just one to three years to live. “I can remember stopping at work on the way home from that appointment and telling the guys that I wasn’t coming back.”

Fortunately, after a second opinion, another doctor was able to surgically remove his cancer, and now he’s cancer-free 16 years later.

“It impacted me so much,” he said.

“I don’t have the words to adequately describe the disbelief when you’re di-

L.A. County Firefighter, Crew Chief/Paramedic Michael Dubron in the door of a Firehawk helicopter at L.A. County Fire Department Camp 9.

agnosed with cancer.”

After his experience, he realized the need for a support network for firefighters, so he and fellow survivors could help those who’d been diagnosed go through the process.

“This little hare-brained idea for just the department ended up turning into a nonprofit organization that took off,” Dubron said.

Building a new network

The Firefighter Cancer Support Network, which Dubron founded in 2005, has now been endorsed by

the state of California, International Association of Fire Fighters and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. His family, coworkers and the department were all instrumental in allowing his idea to come to fruition, as well as the IAFF Local 1014 union, which helped to bankroll the operation.

“It is still today the only nonprofit organization that is by resolution supported by labor and management in the fire service in North America,” Dubron said, adding that in California, cancer is considered a job-related

illness for firefighters because of what they’re exposed to. “The support end of it grew rapidly, because at the time when I founded the organization, there was little to nothing being said about cancer in the fire service.”

Dubron’s first 10-year goal was to raise awareness, followed by education, with the next 10 years going to measure the effectiveness.

“Once we got in there and opened the door about cancer, we started changing the culture about how we do our business in the fire department,” he said.

Since then, Dubron has been able to see the department become more proactive, such as ordering second sets of gear for firefighters, requiring them to shower within an hour of service, emphasizing annual wellness exams and installing diesel exhaust-extraction systems in stations.

“There’s so many people across the country and around the world that have just taken this idea and embraced it,” he said, “taking it steps beyond I had ever imagined.” 

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2 2 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

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

READERLETTERS

Parents, Set an Example for Kids Parents need to set a good example for their children returning to school. Last Monday morning I walked past Valencia Valley Elementary School (I was on the sidewalk behind the school). The TK- to second-grade students were returning to school. Although all of the parents and children had masks on, they WERE NOT social distancing. There was a crowd of no less than 50 parents and students who were jammed into an area and were standing 2-3 feet apart. I assume they were all waiting to get into the school. I had to forge my way through the crowd and wondered why the parents weren’t setting an example of social distancing for their children.

Perhaps the school should paint lines or dots on the sidewalk behind the school to let parents know what a distance of 6 feet looks like. Parents, please remember that this is not just about you and your child. Your actions impact the entire Santa Clarita Valley community. Please try to set an example for your children!

Cathy Senne Valencia

Portrait of a Tuskegee General Thank you to Keith R. Smith Jr., Major USAF (Ret.), for his wonderful and inspiring letter honoring three Tuskegee Generals, and spotlighting Gen. Lucius Theus. I sent The Signal with the letter to his cousin, Lavada Theus, in Inglewood, and she sent a photo of him that I would like to share with readers.

Gene Dorio Saugus

Keeping the Fear Going As of Feb. 13 in the SCV, 237 people have died after testing positive for COVID-19. Total positive tests are 24,902. Per relevant studies (e.g, the journal Nature), the number of infections is estimated to be three to 20 times higher than the number of confirmed cases, because most go untested (like six of our own family’s nine SCV cases). This means the SCV recovery rate is WAY above even the 99.74% estimated by the Centers for Disease Control, and that’s even assuming testing positive at death equates to “dying from.” But everybody has heard about someone’s friend who knows somebody’s uncle who died and that's enough for everyone to ignore the actual stats and keep the COVID fears going.

Rob Kerchner Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

MA R C H 7, 2021

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@signalscv.com.

Contact: Tim Whyte, Signal Editor Phone: 661-287-5591 | Email: letters@signalscv.com Mail: 26330 Diamond Place, Suite 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

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

Guarding Mental Health

By David Hegg

T

he concept of mental health is one that had dominated our society in recent years. Since the beginning of time, physical health has been recognized as essential to wellbeing. But in the last half-century concern for mental health has become an equal focus for both individuals and society. Much that was once recognized as aberrant behavior is now considered simply the consequential fruit of mental disease.

Unlike physical illness, mental illness is often quite subjective in its manifestation. In fact, some have suggested that psychology and psychotherapy are the only causes of the very diseases they profess to cure. The rise of these areas of study seems to have brought about a spontaneous flood of mental health cases.

In the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report of 1999, “mental health” as defined by the surgeon general "refers to the successful performance of mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity.” If we look carefully at this definition we see that the criteria by which mental health is adjudicated has everything to do with the ethics and values of the society in which we live.

Notice that the definition rests on “productive” activity, “fulfilling” relationships, “adapting” to change, and “coping” with adversity. In each case, the way mental health is to be understood and demonstrated depends on how society defines these key modifiers.

What is “productive” activity? Who decides what makes a relationship “fulfilling?” What does proper “adaptation” to change look like, and what is considered adequate “coping” with adversity. Who gets to decide?

The answer to these questions is simply that there are intrinsic moral and ethical standards and guidelines that are part of the fabric of ordered society. They may differ in degree in various societies, but all have an “understood” standard by which to measure behavior. And, more to the point here, it is adherence to those values that constitutes

mental health.

So, what happens in a society when the “understood” morals and ethical standards begin to unravel? What happens when those in the society stop believing that there are, and ought to be, absolute values that must be mutually agreed upon? In short, what happens when truth is no longer valued in public discourse, honesty is no longer practiced in the marketplace, and love is no longer understood as a commitment rather than a lustful diversion? The answer must be that the society devolves into a mess of mental and spiritual conflicts, confusion, and ultimately, widespread depravity.

If I’m right, a primary defense against an erosion of our mental health must be the promotion and defense of basic societal values. Ethics are, apparently, the guardrails that keep our society’s cars from running off the road and into the ditch of dysfunction.

While the psychiatric community prescribes various medicines to help those diagnosed as mentally diseased, perhaps just as important might be a prescription to be painstakingly honest, both with self and others.

Perhaps as we are inoculating our kids against various diseases we should be paying more attention to imparting to them a sense of moral value, respect for authority, chastity, purity, honesty and good ol’ right and wrong. If our mental health depends on a strong ethic then the best thing we can do for ourselves, our children, and our country is buck the trend of personal pragmatism and return to a radical understanding that the basic moral values are not up for grabs.

The same Creator who has endowed us with inalienable rights also poured into us a moral conscience designed to reflect his standards. When, by his grace, we are brought into alignment with him, we find more than mental health. We find peace in the midst of chaos, purpose in the midst of confusion, and hope, both in this world and the next. Now that’s what I call great mental health.

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

M A R C H 7, 2021

SOLUTIONS

PUZZLES

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 23

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