Sunday Signal April 19, 2020

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When love conquers coronavirus

APRIL 19, 2020

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A P R I L 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Locally Owned and Operated

NEWS FEATURES 4 SCV businesses offer new ways to get groceries 5 SCV love story celebrates with Zoom wedding 6 Preparing financially during the COVID-19 crisis 7 Easier ways to explaining coronavirus to kids

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FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8 Staying safer at home until May 15

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TECHNOLOGY 10 Tech spring cleaning tips for the quarantine era

FOOD 12 Nutritious eating at home

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SENIOR LIVING 14 Seniors with diabetes: Questions to ask your doctor

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4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 19, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E S

SCV businesses offer new ways to get groceries

Servers Molli Fay, left, and Kyra Andersen carry orders to cars waiting curbside at StoneFire Grill in Santa Clarita. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL Top: Some restaurants are serving groceries and meals in order to safely stay as busy as the restrictions will allow. PHOTO BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

B

arbershops have shuttered, bars have closed and gas stations are asking you to use the after-hour security windows.

The business/customer landscape has changed dramatically since the stay-at-home order was first issued in L.A. County back in March.

Only the essential businesses remain open, and even they’re having to adapt to a COVID-19 world.

Of the businesses left open, restaurants have been some of the hardest hit by the fallout, being forced to shut off all access to in-house dining in lieu of takeout or delivery. Grocery stores remain open, but the lines have been longer — prompting both to look at each other’s service models: A number of restaurants with delivery services have changed into grocery stores, and a number of grocery stores have started delivery.

Grocery store restaurants

A number of local restaurants have altered their business model in light of decreased cash flows because they no longer have in-room dining, and several now sell their raw goods straight to the customer.

Stonefire Grill, normally known for their barbecue sauce served on everything from tri-tip to chicken to salad, has instituted a new curbside service that allows you to bag bags of groceries from them, including toilet paper.

“A little over a week and a half into the shelterin-place ”Safer at Home” order from the governor, we began to pivot to offer meal kits and grocery bags,” said Justin Lopez, vice president of marketing for Stonefire Grill. “We called it Stonefire Grill & Grocery.”

The Market Bailout Bag and the Stonefire Care

Kits include a variety of items including free eggs, onions, tomatoes, avocados, lettuce, meat sauce, parmesan fruit, milk and a number of other necessities depending on which selection you make.

Other restaurants, such as Egg Plantation in Newhall, Marston’s Restaurant in Valencia, the Newhall Press Room in Newhall and The Old Town Junction in Newhall have done similar feats, in terms of transitioning their business model to meet the times.

“All these small restaurants have these wholesalers on the back end that have all this fresh produce … they have access to,” said Valencia resident Megan Cunico, whose family owns Brent’s Deli, in a previous Signal story. “This has given these brickand-mortars the opportunity to pay the rent, keep the electricity on, pay their kitchen staff and spread the tips to their hard-working staff.”

Farmer’s markets

Farmer’s markets remain open in the Santa Clarita Valley as they have been deemed essential businesses.

It still offers homegrown goods not always found in your local grocery stores, now with a twist.

“People that are defined as ‘high-risk’ are able to call our farmer’s market number and leave or message or we try to answer and we’ll take an order,” said Larry McLements, who manages the Newhall farmer’s market. “They can order anything from our meats to vegetables to whatever.”

Because the market is seasonal, there are a number of factors that play into what is available. But McClements said he asks you for a ballpark idea of what you need, and then he goes and searches the market for it.

“I can check back and say, ‘OK, you know I don’t have dinosaur kale, but I’ve got, you know, a broad light green leafy kale I can give you instead,’” said

McClements. “And then I get my total ticket payment, they pull into the lot, call me, and I walk it to the car that they drive.”

McClements said the vendors are willing to help customers find what they need and eager to provide.

“We’ve got eggs, all sorts of seasonal vegetables, great fruits, berries from the Central Coast, farm direct butter, cheese … and yogurts,” said McClements. “We’ve just got it all and everything is farm direct.”

For more information about how to contact the Newhall Farmer’s Market or what they offer, visit their webpage at http://oldtownnewhall.com/oldtown-newhall-farmers-market/.

Curbside grocery service

A number of grocery stores in the United States have adopted new plans and policies that allow for shoppers to pick up their much needed items without having to run the risk of exposure inside the store.

Walmart, for instance, allows for customers to go onto their website and select a time that works best for them after picking and choosing items from their online catalogue.

Delivery of the groceries is also available through their online store.

Ralph’s, Sprouts and a handful of the Albertson chains at select locations are also providing curbside pickup.

“Now more than ever, families are relying on our pickup service to help get quality, fresh groceries to their homes as safely as possible,” Tom Ward, senior vice president, Customer Product said. “These are extraordinary times, and we are constantly looking for ways we can help deliver that same peace of mind to all our customers, particularly those who are most at-risk.”

A P R I L 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E S

SCV love story celebrates with Zoom wedding

By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

T

he pair became a match during their summer jobs at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Loreen Bakoo Herron was attending Saugus High. Richard Herron went to Canyon.

They first realized their commitment to each other at a longtime SCV eatery — where the same waitress who served them all those years earlier later watched their engagement.

If the tale was a rom-com, “A Santa Clarita love story … ” would definitely be in the tagline.

“We’re here today to witness the joining of two lives whose love story is one of destiny,” said Tammy Beres, a longtime family friend who’s known them both for years and officiated the wedding via Zoom on April 4.

That Saturday was a date the two had marked on their calendar for a while. And they decided they weren’t going to let COVID-19, or a nationwide quarantine, stop them from making their commitment to each other.

“So after becoming boyfriend and girlfriend on Valentine’s Day at the Backwoods Inn in 1999 … they dated and went to prom together,” Beres continued. “However, they eventually broke up and went separate ways, but remained distant friends.

“Ultimately though, fate stepped in, and they reconnected in October 2016, when they fell in love all over again.”

The love story

The two first fell pretty hard for each other a little over 20 years ago.

Richard was Loreen’s supervisor when they first met. But they both hustled in the SCV heat at the self-proclaimed “Thrill Capital of the World,” making sure park patrons received their mid-scream photos after they departed thrill rides like Batman and Riddler.

And even though they were both still kids, they knew.

“I used to say he was my soulmate,” she recalled in a phone interview Sunday.

They broke up, however, Richard’s career took him to the East Coast, Texas and then San Diego. While Loreen also moved on, she remained friends with Richard, who never stopped caring for her.

“And I guess Richard, he knew and he was telling his family, but I had no idea ... I was married and you know, to the best of my knowledge, we’re just friends,” Loreen said.

“We fell out of touch and we got back into touch and then fell out of touch,” Richard added. “I’ve been telling my family for the past 12 years or so that I was gonna marry her.”

Loreen Bakoo Herron and Richard Herron got hitched via Zoom on Saturday, April 4 — a marriage more than 21 years in the making. PHOTO COURTESY LOREEN BAKOO HERRON

How it all worked out

Richard tried to reconnect, but the timing never seemed to be right.

In 2010, he tried at the wedding for Richard’s sister, that wasn’t the right time, either.

“She shot me down,” he can now say with a laugh.

“Honestly, I feel like I, both of us, needed to still grow and have other relationships and figure out what we really wanted,” she said, noting that he was still living on the East Coast at the time, too. “Not only in a partner, but out of life. And when we reconnected, it was just, it was the right time. … everything happens for a reason.”

And then they both found themselves single and back in Santa Clarita in fall 2016.

“And when I came home, we’re like, ‘Oh, we’re both back in Santa Clarita,” Loreen said. “Let’s reconnect.

Let’s hang out. And we did — and there were definitely sparks there, pyoo pyoo pyoo,” she said with a laugh.

“We got engaged at Backwoods Inn, which was where he asked me to be his girlfriend,” she said. “We got

engaged in the same booth with the same waitress.”

Happy ending

The two ultimately decided on their wedding date, April 4, and planned a marriage on the beach with a backyard reception, a date they picked last summer, before Richard found out he would need to have a surgery on his hip.

The sudden change in plans made it so that the pair decided to let their family and friends know they’d be postponing the wedding, not knowing then for certain if Richard would be able to have their first dance to their song, “Always and Forever” by Heatwave, by early April.

And then, COVID-19 came along.

While the pair are still planning a family gathering to celebrate with everyone once it’s safe, Loreen had an inspiration during the quarantine.

“We’re sitting on the couch ... about a week and a half before, and I said, ‘You know, I have this crazy idea.’

“And I said, ‘What if we kept (April 4), and we got married right here in our apartment?’”

The ideas quickly started to build.

Decorate the dining room. Black silk pajamas for the groom. White

silk pajamas for the bride. Their 2-year-old son Jude would get a blue pair for the occasion.

“I said, ‘I bet everybody would like to see something positive right now.

All that I see on Facebook is negative stuff these days,’ and I was like, ‘we can make it happen.’”

Richard thought she was kidding, at first, but was quickly on board.

“With my recovery taking shorter than expected,” Richard said, “there just wasn’t enough time to put everything together to keep that day for a more traditional-type wedding. So this actually worked out really, really well.”

The two organized a Zoom call with Beres, a longtime family friend who knew Richard and Loreen for years, and notified their family they’d be doing a rehearsal the Thursday before, in order to work out the expected technical difficulties.

Loreen’s sister Lubna was the maid of honor and, while the two talk several times a day and are best friends, the move surprised her sister, she said.

“She was like, ‘Hey, we’re gonna have a rehearsal for the wedding for Zoom, and I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?’ And so, it was a surprise to everyone,” she said, recalling when her sister told her the plan.

The Herrons shared the Zoom invite with about 75 attendees who were immediate family, the wedding party and family friends, and then let all their other friends know on Facebook that the couple had a surprise at 6 p.m.that they would be streaming on Facebook Live, which was set up to allow viewers to see the couple in front of the TV that carried the Zoom call with Beres.

The pair are going to plan a live celebration once the coronavirus restrictions are lifted, which everyone is looking forward to — but it was nice for all their friends and family to be able to share something positive during the quarantine, Lubna said.

“I just wish that I was there to like, really, really be in person. But you know what? In times like this right now, it was nice just to see something so happy and so precious,” she said.

“And having that love, you know, it was really nice to see.”

6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 19, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Preparing financially during the COVID-19 crisis

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

W

ith stay-at-home orders extend to at least May 15 across L.A. County, the COVID-19 outbreak has raised troubling economic questions for residents.

There’s reason for concern, according to local financial experts, but there are also options and steps you can take to cope and survive.

“There’s a myriad of questions and concerns and reasons to be anxious,” said Erick Arndt, a financial adviser at Virtue Wealth, who added that from his 17 years in business, “this is the most anxious I’ve ever seen people.”

Over the past three weeks, with stay-at-home orders and other restrictions strengthened in an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, more than 15 million people were laid off and about 6.6. million had filed for unemployment benefits by the start of April, according to the Labor Department.

Already, many Americans are expecting to receive federal stimulus checks of up to $1,200 each that could provide some financial aid, after President Donald Trump approved a $2 trillion relief package in late March.

Other financial relief from both local and federal governments are in the works for individuals and small businesses but receiving it could take some time, including at least a few more weeks to receive the stimulus checks.

Until then, financial experts said

there are several steps one can take to help prepare and cope during these times:

Do the prep work

Regardless of your situation or whether you’re currently employed, it’s important to have a plan that reprioritizes spending, especially in case of an emergency.

One way to start is by looking at your budget and seeing where you can start cutting expenses, said Arndt.

“Reprioritizing what you can and shouldn’t be spending is vital at this time,” he said. “You want to make sure you have food for you and your family, that utilities stay on, that you can pay for your home or rent and have money for transportation.”

It often helps to see it all laid out in front of you — the bigger picture.

Start with a budget worksheet, whether a weekly or monthly option, and start listing your costs. Listing and categorizing can help identify needs and where you can trim.

“Everyone budgets and plans a little differently, but worksheets can be helpful because they can help guide you through the process, prompting you to answer questions about your spending or reminding you of things you might overlook when making a budget,” said Greg Mahnken, a credit industry analyst with Credit Card Insider.

Lost your job? Try these options

From the get-go, if you lose your job, the ideal situation is to have three months’ worth of savings that you can count on, said Arndt.

The stimulus checks are intended to provide short-term relief through the crisis, but long-term security comes from having a savings plan in place regardless of whether the economy is thriving.

Preparation is key, and while, for many, it might seem like a difficult time to think about saving, your survival plans should include goals for when things start to improve.

“Let’s say you spend $4,000 a month, you should have $12,000 in savings in your bank account. You should be using your savings to live modestly, which is your home, your car, basic food. You don’t need to buy new clothes right now, you don’t need to buy a new stereo. Make that money last as long as you can.”

Not everyone has savings, however.

But there are sources you can already take advantage of, ranging from applying for unemployment benefits to calling your creditors.

For those who will file for unemployment, it’s best to do so within the first week of losing your job or having your hours reduced, according to the California Employment Development Department.

With high volumes of people applying, it’s important to file earlier rather than later, as the process could take weeks to receive funds.

“Unemployment applications are at record numbers, including many who have never had to apply before,” said Mahnken. “States have more flexibility to ensure those who are unemployed due to coronavirus can get the help they need to provide for their families.”

While you wait for a response, call your lenders, utility companies and landlords if you’re worried about

missing payment on bills. Credit card issuers, for example, are offering to waive late fees and defer payments.

To contact them, call the number on the back of your card or check Credit Card Insider’s list of issuers at creditcardinsider.com.

The bottom line, said Mahnken, is to “do what you can to defer or reduce your bills so you can free up cash to provide for your family and stay in your home. If you have an emergency fund, this is the exact situation it’s meant to be used for — a temporary loss of income.”

Your 401K and other long term investments should be Plan Z

If you have savings, try to make them last as long as possible because “you don’t know how long it’s going to take to get a job,” said Arndt.

Transferring money from your 401K might could be an easy solution but that should be the last place to turn to for short-term costs, he added.

“Your last resort is your 401K or IRA,” said Arndt. “You should not be tapping that unless you are facing a foreclosure or bankruptcy.”

While these are stressful times, advisers remind this will pass and preparation is key to helping stay afloat.

A P R I L 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Easier ways to explaining coronavirus to kids

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

T

he lives of many Santa Clarita Valley residents have been completely upended over the last month, and many are struggling to wrap their heads around the coronavirus.

With no school, no friends, nor much leaving the house at all these days, children are no exception to that.

For kids, this pandemic can be just as overwhelming as it is for parents, but hearing about COVID-19 secondhand from school, television or online, can certainly exacerbate things.

That’s why it’s important to talk to your kids about COVID-19 and the current health crisis, making sure they, too, understand what’s going on out in the world during these trying times. But how do you explain something without much precedent to a child?

Saugus resident Mandy Dofflow was able to use her 5-year-old daughter Avery’s past illness as an easy way to explain COVID-19 and why she has to stay home.

“When she was 3, she got pretty sick (with) a blood disorder that has since gone away,” Dofflow said. “At that time, we explained to her that she had good guys in her body that were trying to fight off these bad guys, and that’s why she had to rest and not jump around.”

Since then, the Dofflows have used the analogy for other situations, as Avery seemed to understand it quite well.

When the “Safer at Home” order was put in place and Avery had to stay home, Dofflow simply elaborated on the analogy, telling Avery “the reason why we have to stay home is we have to protect ourselves from ‘the bad guys.’”

She went on to explain that some people, like older adults or those with underlying health conditions, like Avery once had, had weaker “good guys,” so staying home kept them safe.

“You could have a bad guy on your body that’s not hurting you because you’re strong, but then when you go and hug grandpa, it could jump

Theodore Premako, 3, plays along the banks of the Santa Clara River, beneath the Iron Horse Trail bridge located off Magic Mountain Parkway on March 29. PHOTO COURTESY JOSH PREMAKO

on grandpa and can attack his good guys,” Dofflow added. “So, it kind of clicked for her.”

While Avery was still frustrated she couldn’t play with her friends, it got a little easier when she understood why and that it wasn’t just affecting her.

“I said, ‘Your friends are home, my friends are home, we’re all home. This is what everyone’s doing right now,’” Dofflow said. “She was more understanding of that, like, ‘Oh, we’re all protecting everybody’s good guys.’”

Whether you pick good guys and bad guys or big, icky germs, analogies such as this one won’t work for every child, but there are still a number of things to remember when talking to your own children.

Parents shouldn’t be afraid of talking to their kids about COVID-19, as avoiding it can make them worry more, not less, according to Janine Domingues, a child psychologist at the Child Mind Institute.

When preparing to talk to your kids, Monica Dedhia, program manager of access, crisis and community engagement at the Child & Family Center, suggests starting with yourself, as we know kids really take their

cues from their parents.

“So really focusing on their own self care first (is important),” Dedhia said. “And, when they are starting this conversation with their child, doing their best to remain as calm as possible.”

Dr. Ashley Zucker, a child and adolescent psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente Southern California, agrees, adding that parents should be open and honest, while remaining age-appropriate, only sharing the necessary information.

“We don’t want to focus on things that might increase anxiety, but being very matter of fact, sticking to the facts and recognizing if it becomes too much for the child if you’re seeing them get overly anxious or shutting down,” Dedhia added. “We don’t want to pressure our kids to talk if they’re not ready, but there are a lot of nonverbal ways of supporting our kids as well.”

If you notice your child is overwhelmed or stressed, try to find different activities to funnel those feelings, Dedhia said.

Both Dedhia and Zucker agree that it’s also important to comfort them,

acknowledging their feelings and letting them know those feelings are valid.

“It’s really (important to) normalize that it’s OK not to be OK right now — these are extraordinary times,” Dedhia said.

Instead, focus on what they can do to stay safe, such as washing their hands, wearing masks or avoiding touching their face or surfaces, experts agree.

Developing some routine and structuring in your day is also vital to your mental health, according to both Dedhia and Zucker.

Set aside time for schoolwork, but allow break time for exercise, play and relaxing, which become more important when children are feeling overwhelmed, Zucker said.

If you’re still having trouble finding an analogy that will work for your kids, there are a number of resources available to help, such as Manuela Molina’s illustrated COVIBOOK at mindheart.co/descargables or a National Public Radio comic at bit.ly/ NPRCOVID.

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 19, 2020

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Staying safer at home until May 15 in the SCV

By City Manager Ken Striplin

I

t has been exactly a month since Los Angeles County issued the Safer at Home order that was anticipated to last through today, April 19. However, just over a week ago that order was extended until May 15.

That is a total of 57 days that our community will be spending the vast majority of our days in our homes, only venturing out for essential services and quickly learning the challenges of working from home, while trying to fill the shoes of our children’s amazing teachers.

Those are the challenges facing the most fortunate of our residents. There are many of our friends and neighbors who have been laid off, furloughed or face the devastating fate that they may

not be able to afford to keep their businesses once this COVID pandemic has passed.

To these people, I urge you to take advantage of the resources and assistance available to you. The City has an urgency order in place to protect those who cannot pay their rent.

The County of Los Angeles and State and Federal governments all have relief programs in place to assist businesses.

To get more information, please visit the resources page at Santa ClaritaEmergency.com.

I also want to offer my heartfelt gratitude to Santa Clarita’s essential workers. These are the men and women whose jobs have never been so vital. They are on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic.

These heroes are the focus of our #HeartsForHeroes campaign. This campaign shows support and appreciation for our medical profession-

als, public safety officials, grocery workers, mail carriers, bus drivers, delivery personnel, janitors, those who repair our cars and homes, trash collectors, media professionals (like the team at The Signal), our City team and so many more.

Please join your neighbors and friends in this campaign by designing a heart and placing it in the window or on your front door to display a visual sign of support. Let’s fill Santa Clarita with hearts. You can download the template at santa-clarita.com/ HeartsForHeroes.

Once you have decorated and displayed your heart, please take a photo of you and your family with the heart and post on social media using #HeartsForHeroes.

These images will be collected and placed on screens within Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital for the nurses, doctors and staff to see and

be reminded of how appreciated they are.

I know that these 57 days will be challenging for all of us in myriad of ways. Keep in mind that this too will pass. Our children will start school in August, and we will get to hug our parents and our grandchildren again soon.

Remember, we are staying Safer at Home because it works. It protects the most vulnerable in our community and ensures that our healthcare workers will have the capacity to provide care and services to those in need. Santa Clarita is a special community with residents who look out for one another. I encourage all of you to continue to spread kindness, share gratitude and stay strong.

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.

A P R I L 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

presents

the s e o d a it r a l sammy c

! y e k o p solo You space it six feet right,

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et

You give it six feet left,

six feet

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and you distan ce all around!

You do the solo pokey and you stay at home for now ,

You give it six feet left,

Cuz social distancing is what it’s all about!

howdy everyone! remember to stay home and stay safe! santaclaritaemergency.com | sammyclarita.com

10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 19, 2020

TECHNOLOGY

Tech spring cleaning tips for the quarantine era

By Kim Komando Signal Contributing Writer

F

or tens of millions of us, quarantine is a great time to make your home cleaner and more organized, which includes your technology.

Repurpose your old phone or tablet as a security camera If your home doesn’t have a security cam, it’s easy to repurpose an old smartphone or tablet into one with help from a simple app.

Android users can download a free app like IP Webcam that only requires a Wi-Fi connection. For iPhones, download Manything that uses cloud storage to save your recordings and features options like motion detection and push notifications.

Digitize your old photos, slides and videos

Organizing old photos, slides, and VHS tapes takes time and now you

have it. Once you have them all together, you can bring them into 2020.

Online services let you select a plan and mail your physical media to the companies to scan and upload. When the process is complete, you’ll get your originals back in the mail along with digital files you can download.

There are several services that do this.

I used iMemories.com and wow, I had forgotten how little my now teenage son once was.

Update and streamline your LinkedIn account

Download your Facebook photos

Google your name and see what you find

Incredibly, you can download your Facebook photos, along with all your other personal data, anytime you want.

Open your Facebook settings and choose Your Facebook Information and then Download Your Information. Check the box that says Photos and Videos and click Create File.

You’ll get a notification when it’s completed along with a link to download the file.

Whether you’ve been furloughed or not, there’s no better time to update your LinkedIn account.

Review your LinkedIn profile and fill in any missing information that can help you stand out to potential employers, including a professional photo. The file should be a 200-pixel by 200-pixel headshot. No bathroom selfies.

If you’re prepping for transitions after quarantine, you need to make sure the information people see about you online won’t harm future job prospects.

When you Google your name, you’ll usually see your social media profiles at the top, as well as any blogs, websites or content attached to your name. Check your social media profiles to make sure they’re set to private and delete any information

you don’t want publicly visible.

Google Alerts notify you automatically when your name appears on the internet.

Remove yourself from people search websites

In addition to social media profiles, you’ll also see genealogy and people search websites like FamilyTreeNow. These platforms collect publicly available information about everybody and will sell that data to businesses, advertisers and private investigators.

Most of these sites don’t make it particularly easy to remove your info, either. You will likely have to submit a request, usually by visiting the “Contact Us” page and sending an email.

For information on Kim Komando on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks, visit her at Komando. com.

A P R I L 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s day: creative family fun

Print ‘roses in bloom’ with celery stalk stamp • Acrylic paints or stamp inkpads in colors of your choice for roses and leaves

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

E

arth Day, celebrated on April 22, is a good annual reminder to imagine creative ways to reuse what we typically throw away, even little things. Here’s one that may lurk in the produce bin of your refrigerator: a celery-stalk rose just waiting to be revealed with some ink or fabric paint.

Curious? When you prep celery for your next recipe, cut through the stalk about two inches from the core end, grab that end in your hand and instead of tossing it into the compost bin, take a look at the roselike pattern the stalks make nestled together. Use it as a natural stamp (it’s an ideal size and shape for young children to hold) for printing artistic rose designs.

As you prep your printing station for this crafty idea, ponder all the things you can decorate. Think Mother’s Day! Why not stamp rose prints all over tissue paper that will pop out of a gift bag for mom, grandmother or a special friend? She’ll be oohing and aahing over the “roses in bloom”

• Paper plates, if using paints • Markers for outlining the stamped shape (optional)

before she even gets to the gift tucked inside.

Keep stamp, stamp, stamping the blooms on gift tags, lunch bags, placemats, a playroom wall! You name it.

Here’s the stuff you’ll need for printing on tissue paper: • Celery stalk • Kitchen knife • Plain sheets of white or lightcolored tissue paper

Here’s the fun: First, make your celery stalk rose stamp. For a nice design, cut evenly through the entire stalk of celery, about 2-3 inches from the core end.

Wipe off moisture on the cut ends.

For leaves, cut a 3-inch length from one of the celery ribs. Wipe off moisture on one cut end.

Pour a puddle of paint on a paper plate and lightly dip the cut end of the rose stamp in the paint, or press on an inkpad. Stamp onto tissue paper.

Voila! C’est la rose, a clever design by nature. Continue printing all over the tissue paper. Embellish by dipping a cut rib in paint for leaves and stamp lightly around the “roses.” Let dry.

Use markers to outline and embellish the designs, if you wish.

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 NEW 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.

Adolescence: A trying time for teens, parents

A

dolescence can be a trying time for teenagers and their parents. According to the American Psychological Association, parents and caregivers face an entirely new set of tasks to deal with the changing needs of children as they reach adolescence.

The changes that accompany adolescence include physical, cognitive and social changes, and parents may need to adopt an entirely new approach to parenting as they deal with the changing needs of their children.

The APA notes that adolescents often crave greater independence and autonomy, and this desire is a natural part of their development process. It’s important that parents of adolescents find a way to maintain the familial bonds they and their children have developed up to this point, while also allowing increasingly mature teens a level of autonomy that can benefit them throughout their lives.

According to clinical psychologist William Stixrud, Ph.D., decades of psychological research has shown that a lack of perceived control leads people to feel overwhelmed, helpless, hopeless, passive, and resigned. So adolescents who feel that they have control over the direction of their lives, feelings which can be strengthened when they are given some level of autonomy as teenagers, are less likely to feel overwhelmed, helpless, hopeless, passive, or resigned as adults. (MC)

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A P R I L 19, 2020

FOOD

I

f spending additional time in the comfort of your home has you rethinking the family menu and looking for new ways to enjoy nutritional meals, rest assured you can make better-for-you food choices without losing mouthwatering taste.

Easy, efficient at-home recipes like Thai Coconut Lime Freezer Chicken, Burrito Beef and Cauli Mac and Cheese can all be made in less than an hour while reducing the intake of carbs and unnecessary sugars. All are part of a balanced Atkins low-carb lifestyle, a long-term, healthy eating approach focused on high-fiber carbohydrates, optimal protein and healthy fats.

The eating approach, which is a more flexible version of the popular ketogenic diet, offers a balanced mix of foods containing fiber-rich and nutrientdense carbohydrates while focusing on reduced levels of refined carbohydrates, added sugars and the “hidden sugar effect” — when carbohydrates convert to sugar when digested. You don’t see the sugar, but your body does.

Introducing your family to smarter food choices can also support your immunity. According to research published in “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” simply substituting whole grains for refined grains has a modest effect on gut microbiota and immunity. Refined grains have had most of the fiber milled out of them, leaving a refined carbohydrate that impacts your body the way sugar would. Opt for whole grains to get the fiber you need, along with protein and healthy fats.

To learn more and find additional ways to focus family meals on nutritious recipes, visit Atkins.com.

(Family Features)

Thai Coconut Lime Freezer Chicken PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

Thai Coconut Lime Freezer Chicken Prep time: 8 minutes Cook time: 22 minutes Servings: 4 1 3/4 cups coconut milk 2 tablespoons basil 1 tablespoon xylitol (sugar substitute) 1 ounce cilantro 1 ounce fresh lime juice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic 1 teaspoon lime zest (optional)

Cauli Mac and Cheese Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Servings: 6

Cauli Mac and Cheese

PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

1 1 1 2 1 1/2 1 1/2 1 1/4 1/4

Nonstick cooking spray teaspoon salt, divided head large (6-7-inch diameter) cauliflower cup heavy cream ounces cream cheese teaspoons ground mustard cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided clove garlic, minced teaspoon white pepper teaspoon pepper sauce

Heat oven to 375 F and prepare 9-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Heat large pot of

20 ounces boneless, cooked chicken breast 20 ounces broccoli flower clusters In bowl, mix coconut milk, basil, xylitol, cilantro, lime juice, salt and garlic. For more citrus flavor, add lime zest, if desired.

Add chicken, broccoli and sauce to 1-gallon ziptop freezer bag. Squeeze out any air and seal bag.

Freeze bag flat up to 1 month.

To cook: Thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat oven to 350 F. Place in glass 8-by-8-inch pan and bake 20-25 minutes.

water to boiling and add 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Remove stem and leaves from cauliflower. Cut into small pieces and place in boiling water; cook until crisp-tender; about 5 minutes. Drain well then pat between paper towels to remove moisture.

In medium saucepan over medium heat, bring cream to simmer. Whisk cream cheese and powdered mustard into simmering cream until smooth.

Add 1 cup cheddar cheese, garlic, remaining salt, white pepper and pepper sauce, whisking until cheese melts; about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cauliflower.

Pour into baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake 15 minutes until browned and bubbly.

A P R I L 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

H E A LT H

Common terminology associated with outbreaks

T

he novel coronavirus COVID-19 is the dominant story of 2020. As new information emerged and the virus spread from its epicenter in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, to other areas of Asia, Europe and the United States, various world health experts briefed the public on the proper protocol they believed would help stall the spread of this contagious virus.

The conveyance of this information introduced the public to terminology that previously may only have been known to those within the medical community. So that people may act in a productive and informed manner, here are common words and phrases associated with global health concerns.

Community spread The spread of a disease among a certain area in which there is no direct knowledge of how or when someone caught the disease.

epidemic is a situation when a disease spreads rapidly among many people and in higher concentrations than normal.

Pandemic This relates to the geographical spread of a disease that affects a whole country or the entire world, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pandemic does not refer to the severity or mortality of an illness, just how far it has traveled.

Epidemiology This is a branch of medicine that deals with the incidence, distribution and possible control of disease, as well as patterns and determinants of illnesses. An

PPE This stands for “personal protective equipment.” The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says this is gear worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. PPE may include gloves, safety glasses, masks, and gowns in healthcare settings.

Presumptive case A presumptive case or presumptive positive case is one in which symptoms seemingly match the illness but a diagnosis has not yet been confirmed. A presump-

tive case is not a definitive case.

Quarantine This is a restriction on the movement of people and goods, which is intended to prevent the spread of pests or diseases. Quarantines may be mandated or voluntary.

Social distancing: Social distancing refers to limiting contact or other interactions with people in an effort to help reduce the liklihood of disease contraction and spread. This largely involves modifying operations so that large crowds do not congregate at places like universities and colleges, sporting events, meetings, and conferences.

Symptomatic One who is symptomatic shows symptoms of a particular illness or disease.

Understanding the terminology associated with widespread illnesses may compel people to take appropriate action. (MC)

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14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 19, 2020

PETS

Tips to reduce your pet’s environmental pawprint

T

here’s plenty of advice on ways to reduce your environmental footprint, but you might be left wondering about the environmental pawprint made by your pet.

According to a 2019 survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association, 67% of families across the country have at least one dog or cat, which is why it’s important to think about how your furry friends affect the planet.

Consider these easy lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce their environmental impact.

Check those waste bags

Use compostable baggies to pick up after your pet when you take walks.

Plastic bags take years to break down, if at all. There are options made from plants and other materials that biodegrade quicker. When it comes to disposal, check with your local waste management services as regulations can vary by community. While many

MC

places suggest the compost pile, others may not.

Consider your kitty’s litter

For the vast majority of cat families, kitty litter is an absolute must. Look for a litter that’s made from natural ingredients you can put in the compost bin. Not only is this better for the environment, but natural ingredients keep your cat from accidentally ingesting toxic chemicals.

Look at food packaging

Pets go through a lot of food, and

that means a lot of packaging. You can reduce waste with an option like Petcurean’s recyclable Tetra Pak cartons, which are made from 65% renewable materials for Now Fresh and GO! Solutions wet food recipes.

Additionally, its Gather line of kibble in plant-based bags is made from 30% sugarcane, which reduces the use of petroleum-based materials.

At home, consider ways to upcycle empty food bags to get more use out of the material, such as using them to collect garden and yard waste. You can also flatten bags into waterproof mats for your vehicle’s floorboards or make a waterproof barrier between your pet’s bed and the floor.

Prepare for water on the go

While humans can easily drink water from a reusable bottle, most pets cannot. Instead of making a mess by attempting to give water with your hands, make things easy on yourself and the environment by keeping a stainless-steel water dish in your car.

It’s a durable solution that keeps your pet from being exposed to chemicals in plastic or silicone.

Think about accessories

Pets go through countless leashes, toys and dishes across their lifespans.

Thinking about these items as investments and purchasing items that are more durable means they last longer and you’ll waste less. For gently used items you’re ready to discard, like outgrown leashes, consider whether they still have useful life and can be reused by a rescue group or shelter. Also, for toys in particular, it’s important to know what materials they contain. For example, some pet toys are made with plastic containing BPAs, which can be harmful and negatively impact the environment.

Instead look for toys that are made from eco-friendly materials.

For more ideas to reduce your family’s environmental pawprint and care for your pet, visit petcurean.com/blog.

(Family Features)

A P R I L 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

SENIORLIVING

Seniors with diabetes: Questions to ask your doctor

I

f you’re a senior with diabetes, you’re not alone. The statistics are eye opening — more than 25% of Americans age 65 and older have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.

What’s more, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports diabetes as the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. If you’re a senior and have diabetes or help care for a loved one with diabetes, you probably have a lot of questions. Thankfully, technology has advanced incredibly over the last decade, and can now change how people manage diabetes for the better.

Building a strong relationship with your doctor is one of the best things you can do to help manage your diabetes and stay healthy. Be sure to keep an open dialogue and come with questions before any appointments.

To get you started, here are three important questions you should ask your doctor.

1. What is continuous glucose monitoring and how can it help me?

People with diabetes who take insulin must monitor their blood glucose levels frequently. Uncontrolled glucose can cause health complications and even death.

The traditional standard-of-care for glucose monitoring has been a blood glucose meter, which is painful and time consuming, as patients must test their blood multiple times throughout the day.

A continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system can help people with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to track glucose levels on a continuous basis. Unlike blood glucose meters, CGMs can help eliminate painful fingerpricks and provide vital health information.

CGMs are discreet, easy to use and relay a user’s glucose levels instantly to a compatible smart device or dedicated receiver, providing the direction and rate of glucose change with the touch or scan of a screen.

They can help you understand the impact of physical activity and certain foods on your health and glucose levels, as well. The Dexcom G6 CGM,

which is reimbursed by Medicare for eligible patients, also has an app option that gives patients the ability to share glucose information with up to 10 people who can view it through a separate Follow app.

2. How can I be more active?

Regular exercise is important for everyone, but it’s particularly important for people with diabetes.

According to the American Diabetes Association, your cells become more sensitive to insulin when you’re active, so it works more effectively.

Being active helps manage a healthy weight, which is also important.

You may think that due to your age or physical ability you can’t exercise, but talking to a physician can reveal options that fit your personal needs.

Slow walks, stretching, yoga and even swimming are good, low-impact activities.

Check community centers and local gyms for classes that are geared toward seniors. When beginning an exercise regimen, talk to your doctor to discuss any concerns you have and get his or her recommendations on what will work best for you in order to exercise in a safe manner.

3. How can I eat healthier?

Following a nutrition plan is an important part of managing diabetes. Patients with diabetes have extra nutritional considerations to keep insulin levels in check. Doctors can provide insight into healthy eating and explain how carbohydrates impact blood glucose levels.

You can also consider speaking with a registered dietitian to help you evaluate your eating habits and create a nutrition plan with foods you enjoy that are also complementary to a healthy diabetes lifestyle.

Let these questions help guide you to a productive conversation about diabetes with your doctors and other members of your health care team.

To learn more about the Dexcom G6 real-time CGM, visit www.dexcom. com/continuous-glucose-monitoring (BP)

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16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 19, 2020

GARDENING

Tips for harvesting healthy blueberries for home

A

trip to the produce aisle at a local grocery store can unveil a host of healthy additions to anyone’s diet.

Such a jaunt also can raise eyebrows, as produce, particularly organic fruits and vegetables, can be very expensive.

Consumers may feel helpless to corral the cost of healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, but all hope should not be lost. That’s especially so for people willing to give gardening a try.

Blueberries are one of the healthiest foods people can eat. The USDA National Nutrient Database notes that blueberries, which are low in calories and high in fiber, are great sources of the vitamins C, K and B6. However, organic blueberries can be among the most expensive foods in the produce aisle.

Various factors, including where blueberries come from and whether or not they’re organic, dictate their cost. But it’s not uncommon

to pay roughly $4 for a six-ounce package of organic blueberries. For some, such costs are prohibitive.

Growing blueberries in a home garden can save blueberry lovers substantial amounts of money while ensuring they reap all of the benefits of this highly nutritious and edible berry.

The following are some tips novices can employ as they plant their first batch of blueberries.

• Consult a local garden center. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council recommends consulting a local garden center before planting blueberries. The professionals at such centers can recommend the best variety of blueberry to plant. That’s an important first step, as the USHBC notes that farmers cultivate dozens of varieties of highbush blueberries across North Amer-

containers. The University of Minnesota Extension notes that blueberries require full sun, so plant in a spot where the blueberries will not be denied daily sunlight.

• Prepare the soil. Blueberries require acidic soil, so running a soil test prior to planting is a good idea. Speak with a local garden center about soil adjustments if the soil is unlikely to promote growth.

ica. Lowbush varieties also may be a gardener’s best option depending on where he or she lives. A local garden center can help you determine which variety best suits your local climate.

• Plant where there is ample sun and well-drained soil. The roots of blueberry plants should remain moist throughout the growing season, so choose an area where the soil drains well. If that’s hard to find, consider planting in raised beds or patio

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• Fertilize carefully. The USHBC notes that established blueberry plants will respond well to acid fertilizers.

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• Be patient. The UME notes that plants won’t bear much fruit in their first two to three years, and that harvests are bigger after five years. So patience is a virtue blueberry planters must embrace. (MC)

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A P R I L 19, 2020

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 7

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

Thanks to Signal, Front-Line Workers I would like to take this opportunity to let The Signal and staff know how much I appreciate all of your efforts in keeping the community informed with important up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 and ways to cope during these most difficult times. Also, my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to our health care providers who are on the front line as they give so much of themselves to care for those affected by this horrific disease.

With the city, county and state’s actions and communication to keep everyone regularly informed of this pandemic, plus the resilience of the residents, we will continue to rise to changing occasions and adapt to the situation.

Again, thanks for your contribution to our community as we continue social distancing and other requirements that will eventually conquer this coronavirus invasion.

Phyllis Walker Santa Clarita

Missing Tuesday Trivia With all that’s taken away from life with COVID-19, our family has been disappointed to see Tuesday Trivia is gone, too, from your paper.

We miss gathering at the dinner table (especially since that’s all we can do each night now) and having a family trivia night each week. Please consider bringing this positive activity back to our tense and crazy life. Thanks for your time, we love your paper!

Laura Tenney Stevenson Ranch Editor's note: Thanks for reading, Laura! We have been making some temporary adjustments on regular features in The Signal in order to accommodate the heavy volume of COVID-19 coverage, but we do plan to bring Tuesday Trivia back to page A2 starting this week.

Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters are not printed; Email: letters@signalscv.com. Mail to: Letters to the Editor, The Signal, 26330 Diamond Place, Ste. 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.

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

COVID-19, Unity and Blame Game

By David Hegg

I

am thrilled at the recovery we’re seeing. There are small but significant signs that what we’re doing together is helping. We’re sensing the emergence of real hope and are encouraged by the growing joy it is bringing. My great desire is that what we’re doing will continue, not just for a few months, but forever.

Of course, I’m talking about the recovery of what it means to be good neighbors. Have you noticed?

This COVID-19 experience has forced us to see life in its simplest terms, as human beings living together, caring about one another, and going out of our way to protect the most vulnerable among us.

As important, we’ve been re-awakened to the fact that we need one another, that we are emotionally nourished through human interaction, and most importantly, we are better when we’re together, battling the issues together rather than warring among ourselves.

Of course, as is true in every area of human existence, there are the outliers who are mocking the whole thing, childishly refusing to abide by recommendations and regulations they find inconvenient, and generally deriding those of us who are loving our neighbors enough to comply.

And they also hoard the TP! But pay no attention to those self-centered rebels. They are wrong if only because they refuse to consider the possibility they are wrong.

But I am a realist and realize that the unity we’ve begun to weave will certainly come unraveled as those with political podiums ramp up their participation in the blame game. Here’s how it will go: Because so many have adopted a good neighbor policy and chosen to self-isolate in order to help make our environment safe for our community, it appears the effects of COVID-19 will be less than originally predicted. This will cause some to disparage all those who sounded the alarm and imposed restrictions on our way of life.

Still others will point to the fact that death has claimed far too many, businesses have failed, unemployment has risen astronomically, and the national debt has been monumentally inflated, and begin blaming everyone they feel can be blamed to their own advantage.

And that’s my point here: The blame game is selfish in all its forms and will erode whatever unity we have built fighting a common enemy. I know what is at stake in the next several months as we

approach a huge election in November.

It’s power. Yet, when power is gained at the expense of unity, it breeds further disrespect, anger, and ultimately, outright war.

Now, I know there are very real ideological, philosophical and theological differences in our nation. What do we expect? We are a pluralistic nation by definition and design. We are different, we will be different, and our differences will either take us down or lift us up depending on how we face them.

I do a fair amount of marital counseling, and at this time I am doing premarital counsel for two young couples getting married this year. One thing I stress is that, while differences are part of married life, how you face them will make all the difference.

And it is relatively easy to describe the best responsive position. It cannot be an “either-or” situation, me versus you. It has to be me and you together versus the problem.

That’s the problem in a nutshell. As we are learning in this unique season, some challenges are so important they push our differences to the margins and rally us to work together. And when that happens, we’re reminded of how good and pleasant it is for people to see themselves as brothers and sisters, and dwell together in unity, despite our differences.

So here are some directions for us all, but particularly for those who are in positions of leadership.

Resist the urge to let fly with demeaning speech and choose rather to say what is going to help, to build up rather than tear down. Don’t let bitterness remain in your heart, since it is actually an acid that eats its container. Clean out your inner cupboards of all the anger and slander and malice, and seek to be kind, even to those with whom you disagree.

Above all, deal with the selfishness that masquerades as wisdom in your heart, and seek the best for all, even the opposition. And maybe, just maybe we can continue living out the lessons this pandemic is teaching us.

Wouldn’t it be great if, in all the remembering history will do about 2020, there will be a section extolling how our national soul began to recover what e pluribus unum really means? Out of many, one. Yep. I’m part of the many, and you, neighbor, are the one.

Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. Signal Editor Tim Whyte’s column appeared Saturday.

BRAINGAMES

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A P R I L 19, 2020

Relax Give your mind a workout with these brainy exercises!

CryptoQuip This is a simple substitution cipher in which each letter used stands for another.

If you think that X equals O, it will equal O throughout the puzzle.

The solution is accomplished by trial and error.

A P R I L 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

CROSSWORD TIME

ANSWERS

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