Sunday Signal June 14, 2020

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JUNE 14, 2020

Healing Together Page 4 Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

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TIPS & TRICKS FOR NETFLIX

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ST. LOUISSTYLE RIBS FOR DAD

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A FIRE PLAN THAT INCLUDES YOUR PETS

PLUS : CITY NEWS | OPINION | SCHOOL | ENTERTAINMENT | CALENDAR | HEALTH & FITNESS

J U N E 14, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 Beating COVID-19 with help from Henry Mayo family 5 Traveling this summer? Keep these tips in mind 6 City partners up to host for Fourth of July festivities 7 Even as quarantine winds down, scams remain

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FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8 City services, amenities begin reopening process TECHNOLOGY 9 A few tips to help you hang out with Netflix ENTERTAINMENT 10 The Staten Island king and what’s up on DVDs

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SENIOR LIVING 11 As you age, keep nutrition top of mind FOOD 12 Kick off summer and celebrate Father’s Day with St. Louis-style ribs Layered Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Add some kick to your BBQ with a Jerk Rub GARDENING 13 Home gardener tips for June HOME 14 Energy-efficient ideas for upgrade your home PETS 15 Create a fire safety plan to include your pets HEALTH 16 Avoid injuries when working out at home KIDS & FAMILY 17 Donna’s Day: Fishing for ideas for outdoor fun Playtime ideas to do with dad PUZZLES

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OPINION

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SPORTS

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4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 14, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

Beating COVID-19 with help from Henry Mayo family

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

L

ike most nurses, Santa Clarita resident Charisse Hammer has always felt empathy towards her patients.

“My habit, I don’t like how I do this, but no matter who I take care of, I always just put myself in the position of the family, like, ‘What if that was my mom … dad … children … husband?’” Hammer said.

It’s that empathy that has pushed her to care for her patients at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital like they were her own family, yet when the coronavirus pandemic began, she never expected to have those thoughts become a reality.

“We had just opened up the first COVID unit downstairs on the first floor of Henry Mayo, and I got a call from my sister that my dad was sick,” Hammer said. “And of course, we’re thinking, ‘Crap, we hope it’s not COVID,’ but because it was still an evolving (situation), we thought let’s just see what happens.”

Each day, Hammer would call her dad, 79-year-old Jose Miranda Jr., to check in and make sure he wasn’t exhibiting symptoms of COVID. “And he wasn’t, however, the moment he told me he had no taste is when I got concerned,” Hammer added.

Though Miranda was feeling OK, a couple days later he ended up spiking a fever, and by the next day, he was completely labored in his breathing, unable to walk more than a couple steps, nor dress himself.

And on March 31, a little over a week after Miranda had gotten sick, Hammer received a call from her sister. Miranda’s breathing had gotten worse and she had called the paramedics.

“From there, I told my dad that he needed to go to the hospital because from listening to him over the phone and barely being able to communicate just a few words, I knew he was becoming hypoxic (or deprived of oxygen),” Hammer said.

As her brother rushed Miranda to Henry Mayo, Hammer began calling every doctor she knew.

“I was like, ‘Hey, I don’t know if you’re working right now, but I need

Charisse Hammer, a nurse at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Valencia, holds balloons as she bends down to embrace her father, who was released after nearly two months of treatment for COVID-19.

PHOTO BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

you to receive my dad. He’s on his way to the hospital,’” Hammer said.

“And sure enough, one of the physicians who is a good friend of mine and all around great, he was actually 10 minutes away from the hospital going in to work, so that was a blessing.”

Soon, Miranda was intubated and put in the COVID ward, as his real battle with the virus was just beginning. He would spend the next 23 days intubated and a total of 63 in the hospital.

“The first month and a half was hard because I was picking up extra shifts just so I could check on him and make sure he was comfortable,” Hammer said.

For Hammer, who had never had to care for a family member who was critically ill, it was a whole new dynamic. “I go in (to the hospital, and) I’m a nurse, but when I step into his room, I’m his daughter — the whole nurse card just goes out the window.”

Nonetheless, it was the support of the Henry Mayo staff, physicians and nurses that helped her through it.

“I can’t even tell you how amazing the care was,” Hammer said. “It’s not just because I work there as a nurse, but they were so receptive to my requests and my needs in communicating every step.”

In fact, when she started at Henry Mayo back in 2012, she says she knew it was different. “It’s a community hospital, and they are honestly like a family. They look out for each other so much, and … I’m so grateful for that.”

Having read up on what was going on with COVID patients in other parts of the country, Hammer knew there were risks.

“You hear things like, ‘Terminally extubating’ or ‘Once they’re intubated, they don’t make it off the vent,’ but because of those outcomes, we were lucky enough to read what practices have been going on and see what had worked and what had failed,” Hammer said.

Days away from needing a tracheostomy, where doctors would need to create an opening in his neck to access his windpipe, Miranda was finally extubated.

“He did so well,” Hammer said.

“The only issue is that he lost his voice for a little bit.”

Even so, Miranda remained in the COVID unit to ensure he was negative as he began rigorous rehab.

Finally, on June 1, Hammer wheeled Miranda out of the hospital as staff lined the hallway, clapping and cheering, a moment Hammer said felt like the final dream scene at

the end of “Titanic.”

“That’s exactly what it felt like because as we were going through, you could just pinpoint who had worked with my dad,” Hammer said. “It was so awesome.”

Once out the hospital doors, Miranda was surprised to see family and friends for the first time in months.

“He was just in awe.”

Now, two weeks after his release, Miranda is a little weak, but “kicking (butt).”

“He’s been just so patient and soft spoken and so appreciative,” Hammer said. “I think he realizes what happened now because, believe it or not, when I asked him if he remembered anything, he honestly said he felt like he’d only been hospitalized for like two days.”

Though those two months flew by, they’ve certainly had an impact on Miranda and his family.

“I think overall, I just appreciate what I do a lot more, not that I haven’t before, but it’s definitely changed,” Hammer said. “I mean, work is always going to be stressful, but I think at the end of the day, you walk out of there just being more thankful and grateful every time.”

J U N E 14, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

Traveling this summer? Keep these tips in mind

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

S

ummer vacation is right around the corner.

After months of hunkering down at home during stay-at-home directives and with several businesses and destinations temporarily shut down, many are looking for a change of pace and scenery.

Several local governments, including Los Angeles County, have recently announced the easing of their lockdowns, bringing restaurants, shopping destinations and tourist attractions — from Six Flags Magic Mountain in the Santa Clarita Valley to Florida’s Universal Orlando Resort to Yosemite National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains — to announce their reopenings.

Whether you’re looking to travel just a few or several hundred miles away from home your summer plans this year might look a little different as many travel restrictions continue amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

With interest in going out this summer, Francis James, franchise owner of local travel agency Expedia CruiseShipCenters, said there’s a vital step one should take when travel planning.

“Us travel agencies don’t decide when it’s safe to be out there but what I do advise everybody to do beforehand is to check the (Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention) guidelines and experts who are familiar with the effects of the pandemic,” he said. “Travel is a personal decision, but when there’s going to be a risk, and more so now, it’s important to know.”

Travel increases one’s chance of getting infected and spreading COVID-19, meaning the CDC recommends that the best way to protect oneself and others is by staying at home.

But if you are thinking about going away from home soon, the CDC recommends you consider: Is COVID-19 spreading where you’re going and is it spreading in your community?

Are you or those you are traveling with more likely to get very ill from the virus?

Does the state or local government where you live or at your destination require a 14-day quarantine after traveling?

“We don’t know if one type of travel is safer than others; however, airports, bus stations, train stations, and rest stops are all places travelers can be exposed to the virus in the air and on surfaces.

These are also places where it can be hard to social distance (keep 6 feet apart from other people),” reads the CDC travel guidelines on its website.

Expedia CruiseShipCenters is located at 26512 Bouquet Canyon Road.

Traveling by plane

Via flights, most germs and viruses do not spread easily but physical distancing can be more challenging. To help residents that plan to travel or

Above: If you’re planning to use public transportation, it’s advised to check which protocols are required beforehand, according to travel agents. PHOTO COURTESY JET BLUE Right: An RV is a comfortable way to travel across the country, or even just down State Route 126, while maintaining some sense of quarantine for your companions. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

commute for work, many airlines, such as JetBlue, are sharing tips to help keep customers and staff safe.

“The best tips we could offer would to be prepared to wear a face-covering throughout the journey and to be ready to do your part by practicing physical distancing whenever possible. Face coverings are required for crew members and customers on JetBlue. Of course, anyone who is not feeling well, recently exposed, or is waiting for results of a COVID-19 test should reschedule their travel plans until it is safe for them to travel.

“Keep in mind, we are blocking all middle seats on larger aircraft and all aisle seats on smaller aircraft for flights through July 6,” said JetBlue spokesman Derek Dombrowski.

Others, such as Alaska Airlines, are announcing extended travel credits and “peace of mind waivers,” where customers will not be charged a fee to change or cancel flights for tickets purchased before June 30.

Airlines have also doubled down on cleaning onboard by disinfecting between flights to match that of “a hospital operating room,” according to Alaska Airlines.

Traveling by train or bus

Going to your destination by train or bus for any length of time could involve sitting or standing within six feet of others but the CDC has issued requirements for public transit to comply with in an effort to help minimize the spread of COVID-19.

In its latest guidelines, released via a 60-page report in late May, the CDC mass transportation

would be among the sectors with the most changes as more people travel and go back to work.

Among those changes include closing off every other row of seats to riders, installing physical barriers, such as sneeze guards and partitions at staffed kiosks, and asking passengers to enter and exit through different doors. Much like at airports and other spaces, face coverings must be worn by both passengers and employees.

Traveling by car or RV

This year, more people will turn to domestic travel, such as starting up the RV again and going just a couple of hours away from home with your family, according to James.

“The focus is more on domestic travel, where you don’t have to cross the Atlantic or Pacific (oceans) and instead you enjoy some of the more local natural wonders of this country,” he said. “It’s more domestic and land resorts and tours, and even when things start to open up more, people will still look to land tours and staying at resorts.”

Should you choose this route, the CDC asks the public to be mindful of any stops made along the way.

“Making stops along the way for gas, food, or bathroom breaks can put you and your traveling companions in close contact with other people and surfaces,” read the CDC guidelines. “You may have to stop less often for food or bathroom breaks, but RV travel typically means staying at RV parks overnight and getting gas and supplies at other public places. These stops may put you and those with you in the RV in close contact with others.”

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J U N E 14, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

City partners up to host for Fourth of July festivities

By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

E

very year, tens of thousands come from all over the Santa Clarita Valley, and probably even a few from beyond the Newhall Pass, to celebrate America on the Fourth of July.

The birthday for our nation’s independence is celebrated across the country, of course, but the local events have always been a source of pride, for the country and for their neighborhood — the largest one-day gathering the city hosts each year, in which communities come together with purpose.

There’s the classic annual parade, the 5K/10K and, of course, the Fourth of July wouldn’t be quite the same without the annual fireworks show.

This year, the city of Santa Clarita partnered up with The Signal, SCVTV and KHTS to support a weekend full of events that will help people share their pride for community and country, as well as to make sure residents can safely celebrate the main events for the Fourth of July we’ve all grown to love over the last few years, with social distancing in mind.

There will be a virtual Fourth of July 5K/10K, a parade with a twist and a Fourth of July firework show that people will be able to enjoy from anywhere.

“I was thinking about the history of our celebration, and I thought, ‘We just can’t not have a celebration,’” said City Councilwoman Laurene Weste, who’s also a supporter of the SCV Historical Society. “COVID-19 has dampered some things, but it can’t dampen our spirit, and it can’t dampen the enthusiasm we have for our country.”

Fourth of July Patriotic Tour The winners of the Fourth of July Patriotic Tour will be determined by a panel of judges led by City Councilwoman Laurene Weste.

The third-place winner will receive a $50 gift card, the runner-up will receive a $100 gift card and the first-place winner will receive a $200 gift card. Each gift card will be to a Santa Clarita Valley business of the winner’s choice, in an effort to support local companies.

The deadline to submit an entry online is Tuesday, June 30.

“I WAS THINKING ABOUT THE HISTORY OF OUR CELEBRATION, AND I THOUGHT, ‘WE JUST CAN’T NOT HAVE A CELEBRATION.’ COVID-19 HAS DAMPERED SOME THINGS, BUT IT CAN’T DAMPEN OUR SPIRIT, AND IT CAN’T DAMPEN THE ENTHUSIASM WE HAVE FOR OUR COUNTRY, AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE ABLE TO SHOW OUR PATRIOTISM.” — LAURENE WESTE SANTA CLARITA CITY COUNCILWOMAN

The Fourth of July Patriotic Tour, mini-parade

The Patriotic Tour was an effort spearheaded by City Council member Laurene Weste, who envisions it as a way for neighborhoods to come together without congregating in a crowd, and still giving everyone a chance to see Santa Clarita’s patriotism on display.

Decorate the front of your home or business in Americana in the month of June for a chance to win an amazing prize that also supports local businesses impacted by the coronavirus shutdown.

The third-place winner will receive a $50 gift card, the runner-up will receive a $100 gift card and the grand-prize winner will receive a $200 gift card for an SCV business. Each gift card will be to a Santa Clarita Valley business of the winner’s choice.

There will also be a mini-parade, for which residents can be challenged to create mini-parade floats for display. They can can range in size from a shoebox to something that fits in a pickup truck, according to city officials.

In order to take part of either contest, residents and business owners can complete an online registration form and submit their name and address, and upload an image of their entry.

Entries will then be tracked on a real-time map so the public can see the displays when driving through Santa Clarita, according to city officials.

The city’s website is santa-clarita.com/ PatrioticTour.

Victoria Helou of Newhall enjoys the 2016 Fourth of July Parade. This year, the city is partnering with local media outlets to produce the Santa Clarita Patriotic Tour, a combination of the area’s traditional winter home tours and a socially distanced version of the Fourth of July Parade. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

5K/10K

The Santa Clarita Runners Club hosts a Fourth of July run each year to bring folks together and support local cross country programs by donating the money raised from the annual race.

This year, the city still wants to help the club do the latter, by setting up a virtual run registered through Active.com. “(Runners) can complete it over the Fourth of July weekend,” said Kevin Strauss, a member of the city staff helping to organize the event. “Virtual races on Active allows for you to register for the race, track your time and submit your time afterward.”

While there’s no official fee or a T-shirt this year, the organizers are asking for donations to support the running club.

For more information about the event, visit santaclarita.com/patriotictour or call 661-259-CITY.

Fireworks

“The city plans to have a full fireworks show that will be available for a livestream in real time,” said city spokeswoman Carrie Lujan.

The city is planning to host its annual fireworks show, and working with Westfield Valencia Town Center officials to make sure the show is hosted safely and available live online. More information will be available on the city’s website once the details are finalized.

“Our community is one of the most patriotic in our nation,” said Weste, “let’s continue on, in a little bit different fashion this year.”

J U N E 14, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E

Even as quarantine winds down, scams remain

By Perry Smith Signal Managing Editor

T

hings have been pretty different lately, since the global pandemic prompted a monthslong quarantine.

It’s also created new ways for the community to come together. We’ve been driven to drive-thru ceremonies, virtual events and other types of new habits and practices that have sought to create bonds amid our isolation and let us break out of our isolation, virtually.

But while we’ve found all these ways to support each other, find help or otherwise adapt to our new environs, one thing has remained constant: There’s always going to be a small group of people who will try to take advantage of our new rules, new schedules and, in general, the “new normal.”

Calls and emails

One of the most common scams that officials see, whether times are good or bad, is fraud that appeals to or preys upon our good nature and desire to help our fellow man.

The scams often target senior citizens, but with technology now available, the deceptive techniques are becoming more adept, and easier for anyone to be duped.

“A recent survey of over 4,000 Americans found that 23% of Americans experienced an increase in robocalls since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to a study by Provision Living, a senior community, “and 1-in-5 people have received a call or text regarding COVID-19.”

Every agency from Consumer Affairs to the Sheriff ’s Department have heard of scams related to email solicitations.

The District Attorney’s Office, for example, warns that “Fraudsters pose as health authorities including the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” in a recent warning. “They send phishing emails that could load malware onto your devices and steal your information, including passwords and usernames.”

People always think, “That won’t happen to me” — but the fraud statistics indicate otherwise. The FTC

web-based version: bit.ly/PriceGouge.

Mail theft and other opportunities

The pandemic, resulting recession and a “new normal” have created conditions for new types of fraud, but there are ways you can help prevent yourself from becoming a victim.

has thus far received 18,235 reports of fraud costing victims $13.44 million; Google reported it is blocking 18 million scam emails every single day; and there are 150,000 fraudulent stimulus check sites, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Double-checking websites and phone numbers are just a couple of the ways to try to suss out whether a claim is legit. Any government-affiliated site should have a .gov ending.

Price scams

You also might have noticed in the last few months, occasionally, when folks are worried, there can be a run on certain products, such as flour, water and toilet paper.

And in those scenarios, it’s not unheard of for “unscrupulous” vendors to try and raise prices based on the law of supply and demand, with their

temporarily harder-to-find merchandise. However, pricing a product beyond a certain margin in a disaster is illegal, and L.A. County developed an app to help people address unlawful behavior. (Price gouging is the act of a business raising prices of needed products and services over 10% during a declared emergency.)

“It is unethical and unconscionable for unscrupulous vendors to prey on our most vulnerable residents particularly during this pandemic,” said L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who authored the motion to establish the county’s price-gouging ordinance. “We are empowering consumers with technology, and we are prepared to protect our residents using the full force of the law.”

There’s an app available, but also a

Tips to avoid scams: • Do not click on links from unknown senders; they could load malware onto your devices.

• Remain vigilant of emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or disease experts. Directly visit the CDC’s website at www. cdc.gov.

• Be suspicious of online offers for vaccinations or cures for the coronavirus. Also, check the legitimacy of groups asking for donations for victims. Inspect all URLs careful-

ly to see if they are from legitimate websites.

• Be suspicious of anyone emailing you offers for supplies or treatments for coronavirus or who requests your personal information.

Look out for typos and grammatical errors.

• Keep anti-malware and anti-virus software updated on your computer.

• Report suspected fraudulent activity to law enforcement.

Law enforcement laments mail theft as something that’s always a concern, and often, there’s not much you can do outside of finding out when your mail is delivered and trying to get it out of your mailbox as soon as possible, especially if you have a communal mailbox, according to Lt. Ignacio Somaono of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station.

“If someone’s home, as soon as the mail is delivered, try and retrieve and secure it — that’s kind of a constant problem,” Somoano said, noting there are a few ways residents can help deputies catch thieves.

Outside of the age-old adage, “If you see something, say something,” there are digital tools to capture and share suspicious behavior that anyone might see in their neighborhood.

Somoano said detectives greatly appreciate when concerned citizens share video with them through their email address Santaclaritamedia@ lasd.org. Just sharing it on social media doesn’t necessarily get the information to deputies, but if they get the footage, it can be used to investigate crimes and adjust patrols.

Catalytic converter theft is another constant problem that law enforcement is dealing with, which is tied to another crime that SCV Sheriff ’s Station deputies constantly address: crimes of opportunity.

Somoano said anti-theft devices, such as a steering wheel or ignition lock, can help fight many types of thefts because thieves will often take a car just to drive it somewhere to steal things like the catalytic converter. And of course, he always urges people to lock their doors.

“The best way to protect your residence is by locking your vehicles, outside doors, garage door and windows,” said Deputy Josh Stamsek of the SCV Sheriff ’s Station, in a previous interview with The Signal.

“Be sure to always double check your residence and vehicles prior to going to bed or before leaving. Being aware of these small things coupled with an alarm system are all preventive measures for the safety of your home and yourself.”

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 14, 2020

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

City services and amenities begin reopening process

By City Manager Ken Striplin

W

hen the City Council declared a local emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Santa Clarita suspended a number of services and closed public amenities to limit the potential for public gatherings, and do our part as an organization to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

During the time that City facilities were closed to the public, City staff were working diligently on developing alternative programming opportunities, while at the same time identifying the steps needed to reopen services for residents safely.

As you may be aware, City Hall was able to reopen to the public with proper safety measures in place on May 18, allowing residents to access necessary services from the City

Clerk’s Office, Building and Safety division, Permit Center and more. I am proud of the work done by staff to devise a strategy that enables residents to conduct essential business with the City, while also adhering to public health requirements.

Over the past few weeks, a number of City amenities have begun to reopen or have had services extended in accordance with Safer- at-Home orders. Among these are restroom facilities at City of Santa Clarita parks, as well as dog parks and City-owned tennis courts.

City of Santa Clarita paved trails, open space hiking opportunities and paseos have remained open to the public — thanks in large part to our residents following rules set for social distancing.

The Santa Clarita Public Library, which has been providing enrichment through virtual storytimes and craft sessions, has also started to reopen and is now offering patrons

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curbside service. While the three library branches were closed, due dates on materials were automatically extended and residents can now return their books using the drop boxes located in their branch’s parking lot.

In addition, Valencia Library patrons can now make use of a convenient and safe locker system to pick up materials they have placed on hold 24/7. Lockers will also be coming to the Canyon Country Library this summer.

To utilize the curbside service being offered by the library and learn about the locker system, please start by logging into your account at SantaClaritaLibrary.com. There you will be able to request materials for pickup.

When you get to the library for your materials, you will park in a designated space and call the library to let staff know you have arrived.

For more information, please visit the Santa Clarita Public Library’s website.

Due to restrictions on programming, the City was unable to host the popular Camp Clarita program. After reviewing guidelines and protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Camp Association, the new program KidzCare, will welcome children to seven locations starting this Monday, June 15.

This new program has extremely limited capacity but is a attributed to the innovation of City staff to provide alternative programs that bring

value to our community.

This is just a small sample of City amenities that are available to the public. Each day, City staff in all departments are strategizing on how to best get every service back so that residents can once again enjoy high-quality programs and events, and re-establish normalcy.

The City continues to have conversations with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on plans to fully and safely reopen Santa Clarita as a whole so that residents can get back to work and businesses can resume operations. We are committed to doing what is best for our residents and the local economy.

I am thankful that many businesses and organizations are serving customers again — albeit in a limited fashion. As restrictions continue to be lifted, I urge you to show support for owners, employees and professionals by frequenting Santa Clarita businesses and helping to jump-start their financial recovery.

As the list of open amenities and sectors of the economy in Santa Clarita continues to grow, please stay connected with the City on Facebook and monitor SantaClaritaEmergency. com for the latest news and updates.

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.

J U N E 14, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

TECHNOLOGY

A few tips to help you hang out with Netflix

By Kim Komando Signal Contributing Writer

N

o doubt since the coronavirus pandemic hit, you’ve spent more time than you’d care to admit watching Netflix.

The streaming service has great hits like “Stranger Things,” “Ozark” and “The Crown.”

Here are a few suggestions to have fun on the popular streaming platform.

More than a dozen sites with free trials can be found here: https://bit. ly/3hbjzSE. 1. Hide what you’ve watched You told your significant other that you’d wait for her to watch the final episodes. But it was late, you were bored, and there was nothing else on.

Lucky for you, you can delete your Netflix viewing history. Open Viewing Activity and on the Activity page, click the icon next to the episode or title you want to hide. If you are hiding an episode, you’ll see the option to hide the entire series. To hide your viewing activity, select the Hide all option at the bottom of the page and confirm.

2. Be a tester Netflix is continuously working on new features. You can be part of the testing and roll-out. Simply sign in, go to Account, Settings and turn on Test Participation.

3. Use special browser extensions in Chrome Here are a few Netflix favorites.

No Netflix Originals

Not everyone is a fan of Netflix Originals. They only want to see the movies and TV series that have already circulated. This Chrome extension removes all Netflix Originals from your home screen, which clears up space to see what else Netflix has on deck.

A word of warning: Many popular movies and series have, or will soon, migrate to other streaming services.

At some point, the No Netflix Orig-

summer hiking tips

inals extension may leave you with slim pickings.

Super Netflix

This extension allows you to pick the quality of video streaming, rather than using Netflix’s default setting.

Why would you want lower quality?

Well, you can use less bandwidth on your Wi-Fi network or data on your phone. That way, you don’t slow down the other devices in your home, and you don’t have to worry about buying extra data from your carrier.

STAY HYDRATED

Never-ending Netflix

With this extension, you can automatically play the next episode of whatever series you’re binge-watching, skip title sequences and search more than 3,000 genres.

Best of all, you can disable that “Are you still watching?” prompt, so series will continue to play until they run out of episodes (or you hit pause on the remote).

4. Play Reelgood Roulette Reelgood Roulette will offer new movies and shows when you’re ready to go off the beaten path. Go crazy and turn off all the filters and see what you get. Or, if you’re really in the mood to see the works of a certain actor or director, you can use those filters and spin the wheel again to see what’s available.

Besides being fun, it can help you decide what to watch. Also, if you don’t want to play roulette, the site is a one-stop place to see what’s on your services, what’s leaving and what’s new.

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.

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10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 14, 2020

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

The Staten Island king, what’s up on DVDs Buscemi as a veteran firefighter who ran around with Scott’s dad back in the day.

As Scott learns some unexpected truths about his father and finally shows signs of becoming a useful adult, sure, some plot developments are a little too tidy — but hey, this is what we’re hoping for, that Scott can finally come to grips with his loss and begin to move on to the next chapters of his young life.

We hope that for Pete too.

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘The King of Staten Island’

Rated R (for language and drug use throughout, sexual content and some violence/bloody images).

Running time: 137 minutes.

S

cott is the worst. THE. WORST. He’s a preternaturally unmotivated 24-year-old going through life in a pot- and pill-induced stupor, dividing his time between watching TV from his living room sofa and watching TV in a grungy basement with his stoner friends. He regularly hooks up with a friend but won’t let her come around his family. He can’t keep a job, but says he has big plans to one day open a combination restaurant/tattoo parlor. (He’ll call it Ruby Tattoosday’s, but Health Code Violation would be more fitting.) And when a 9-year-old kid asks Scott to give him a tattoo, well, let’s just say Scott doesn’t immediately dismiss the idea.

And yet somehow, there’s something … redeemable about this lanky loser with the big sad eyes and the quick wit. We know he’s hurting inside, and if he can just get out of his own way and be honest with himself, an actual human being just might rise to the surface.

Pete Davidson is the titular character in Judd Apatow’s sharp, funny and insightful slice of life “The King of Staten Island,” and there’s no small resemblance between actor and character, given Davidson grew up on Staten Island and loves to smoke pot — and, like Scott, lost his firefighter father at a young age. Still, Davidson delivers a fully realized, nuanced performance, tackling dark comedy and raw drama with equal aplomb.

From the moment we see Scott, driving along and deliberately closing his eyes for an excruciatingly long amount of time in a semi-death wish, we know this guy is lost. He cloaks his pain in a thick veneer of I-don’t-give-a-bleep, whether he’s trading sarcastic quips with his ragtag friends Oscar (Ricky Velez), Igor (Moises Arias) and Richie (Lou Wilson), or saying he’ll be right outside to say goodbye to his well-adjusted younger sister Claire (Maude Apatow), who is leaving for college — but first he wants to watch the end of this episode of “SpongeBob SquarePants.”

Scott and his buddies are spectacularly underachieving knuckleheads, but there’s a cleverness and a verbal rhythm to their stupid humor. When a new girl visits their dusky lair, one guy warns her away from his buddy, saying, “Don’t talk to him. He has chlamydia.” The response: “I don’t have chlamydia. I DID have chlamydia. You introduced me to the girl who gave me chlamydia, so you basically gave me chlamydia.”

Not even the tragic death of Scott’s father is off-limits. In fact, Scott is so bent on reassuring everyone he’s fine, he encourages jokes such as:

DVD ALERT Bel Powley and Bel Powley in “The King of Staten Island.” © 2020 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

“Knock knock.”

“Who’s there?”

“Not your dad!”

Bel Powley is captivatingly good as Kelsey, Scott’s sort-of girlfriend, who talks as tough as the guys but is smart and ambitious, and unabashedly proud of their surroundings. She wonders aloud: “Why can’t Staten Island be as cool as Brooklyn?”

And she’s taking steps to get a city planning job so she can eventually champion her home borough.

Kelsey would also like to explore a serious relationship with Scott, but he says it’s a bad idea. He has messed-up feelings. He’s on antidepressants. He’s afraid he could hurt himself or someone else.

Things are starting to change in Scott’s world, and Scott hates change. Kelsey has had it with being treated like an afterthought, Claire has gone off to college and, most horrifying of all, Scott’s mother (Marisa Tomei, typically wonderful) has started dating for the first time in 16 years. Even worse, this guy Ray (Bill Burr, in a strong dramatic/comedic turn) is a firefighter who was acquainted with Scott’s dad. Scott might have to grow up whether he wants to or not. He might even have to … MOVE OUT OF THE HOUSE. Per Apatow’s usual modus operandi, “The King of Staten Island” has a running time of 2 hours 17 minutes, but it never feels overlong. There’s breathing room for a myriad of subplots, including an ill-conceived robbery attempt and the wildly irresponsible Scott somehow tasked with walking Ray’s two young children to school and back.

This movie is very specific to its locale and characters, and yet it has a universal working-class touch. I grew up in a Chicago south suburb 800 miles and decades removed from this story, yet there was much to which I could relate. Every scene in “The King of Staten Island” feels lived-in and real, thanks to the richly layered script, Apatow’s sure-handed direction, the universally excellent lead performances and some crackling good extended cameos from Pamela Adlon as Ray’s exwife; Kevin Corrigan as Scott’s cousin, who gives Scott a job as a busboy in his restaurant; and Steve

by Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

“The Hunt”

Horror comedy, Rated R In this mostly ham-handed action comedy, liberal elitists kidnap right-wingers and hunt them for sport. Nothing incendiary to see here, folks.

Just a mostly forgettable splatter movie. Rating: Two stars.

“Emma”

Romantic comedy, Rated PG This adaptation of the classic Jane Austen story is a tart little gem, bolstered by a bounty of clever and winning performances. Anya Taylor-Joy puts an original stamp on the title role of a young, early-19th-century woman fond of meddling in people’s business. Rating: Three stars.

“Onward”

Animated adventure, Rated PG Of the 22 films from Pixar since “Toy Story,” I would rank “Onward” … 22nd. The story of two brothers dragging around the bottom half of their dead dad, who has rematerialized from the waist down, fluctuates between the uninspired and the just plain weird. It’s too basic to keep parents and older children entertained, and too trippy for the little ones. Rating: Two stars.

“The Photograph”

Drama romance, Rated PG-13 Jumping back and forth between a couple in the present day (LaKeith Stanfield and Issa Rae, doing wonderful work) and the woman’s mother in the ‘80s, this jazz-infused, melancholy love story is sweet and light but with no shortage of dramatic moments. Rating: Three stars.

“Fantasy Island”

Horror adventure, Rated PG-13 I loved the idea of turning the cheesy “Fantasy Island” TV series into a horror film, but this movie is all empty calories. It feels like someone planted a half-dozen different scripts all over the island, and the attempt to tie all the stories together is such a stretch, it’s a wonder nobody pulled a hamstring. Rating: Two stars.

Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun-Times

J U N E 14, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

SENIORLIVING

As you age, keep nutrition ‘top of mind’

G

etting proper nutrition can be challenging for everyone, but especially as we age for a variety of reasons, including changing tastes, physical or dental conditions, and lack of access to healthy foods.

“It’s critical that people of all ages get proper nutrition, but especially seniors, and particularly now with the spread of COVID-19 in the United States,” says Dr. Gina Conflitti, chief medical officer with Cigna’s Medicare Advantage business.

“Good nutrition helps older adults stay active and vital, and can help them stave off or better manage chronic conditions.” Cigna provides the following nutrition tips.

Make healthy choices

Add plenty of fruits and vegetables to your plate for colorful, nutrient-rich, fiber-filled meals. Add flavor with spices and herbs instead of salt.

Stay hydrated with plenty of water.

Even light exercise can stimulate appetite and strengthen bones and muscles.

Consult your doctor

If your appetite is changing or you’re losing weight, talk to your primary care physician. There could be an underlying reason for these changes. For instance, your medication might be affecting your appetite.

Or maybe you’re dealing with depression. Your doctor can work with you to identify possible causes.

Adapt to changing tastes

There are a number of ways to change your eating habits to improve your nutrition, from eating more fre-

© RAWPIXEL / ISTOCK VIA GETTY IMAGES PLUS

quent, smaller meals to trying new foods and cooking styles.

For tips on preparing healthy meals, visit ChooseMyPlate.gov.

See a dentist

A dentist may be able to address any dental problems impacting your ability to enjoy food. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have access to dental benefits at no extra cost.

Check your plan for details.

Explore options

If mobility is an issue, look for local organizations offering transportation or meal delivery to older adults. If you have an MA plan, you may have access to home-delivered meals following a hospitalization. One-third of hospital patients are malnourished at admission and poor nutrition increases their risk of having to return to the hospital after being released. Good nutrition helps patients regain their strength and energy faster for better recoveries.

Check your plan for details.

Get help

Some older adults with limited resources may qualify for assistance with food purchases through programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Many older adults qualify for this program and don’t know it.

One way to verify eligibility is to visit Cigna.BenefitsCheckup.org and enter your information under the “Food & Nutrition” section.

If you aren’t eligible for this type of assistance, you can still find ways to save on food bills, including asking for senior discounts, using coupons, having a store discount card and buying store brands.

These are just a few resources. Every individual has unique needs. Cigna encourages you to talk with your physician for additional information about your personal nutrition requirements.

For videos about senior nutrition and some warning signs of malnutrition, visit wnpt.org/agingmatters/ nutrition-aging.

Proper nutrition is essential to overall health. As you age, keep nutrition top of mind and explore new ways to eat well. (SPT)

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12 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 14, 2020

FOOD

Kick off

F

summer and celebrate Father’s Day

ather’s Day is a chance to kick off summer and celebrate dad. Where better to gather your celebration than the grill, where family memories, traditions and delicious meals are created? Here are some ways to make your father’s grilling wishes come true.

Thanking dad

If your father is like many others, grilling is kind of his thing, and there’s no better way to honor the man of the house than with the equipment he needs and deserves.

At the top of your gift list should be a brandnew grill that will allow the king of the backyard barbecue to create world class ribs, wings, smoked meats and more at home. Whether his preference is traditional wood pellet, charcoal, gas or even a vertical smoker, consider those from Pit Boss, which offer exceptional value. Their pellet grills are particularly well-suited to give dad true bragging rights. Imparting a simple, all-natural wood flavor to cooking and featuring 8-in-1 versatility — letting him bake, braise, sear, chargrill, grill, smoke, BBQ and roast — he’ll be well on his way to making fall-off-the-bone ribs and other competition-quality barbecue favorites in his own backyard.

Next up, gift tools and accessories to boost

St. Louis-Style Ribs Ingredients

1 rack spare ribs 1/4 cup of mustard Pit Boss Sweet Rib Rub 2 tbsp of butter 2 tbsp of brown sugar 2 tbsp of honey 1/4 cup of apple juice 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

Directions Prep your ribs by patting them dry, removing the membrane, and trimming them, if your butcher hasn’t already.

Generously coat every inch of the ribs with dad’s grilling dexterity. For example, the non-stick porcelain-coated Pit Boss Grill Basket & Topper, fits most grill surfaces, making it possible to grill mouth-watering foods of any size without the need for tin foil or skewers.

Or, beef up marinades and rubs, while infusing heat, tang and zest into barbecue creations with

Comfort foods made fast and healthy —

… and for dessert

By Healthy Exchanges

Layered Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert If eaten in moderation, peanut butter is a good choice. We just can’t put our spoons in the jar and eat with complete abandon!

12 (2 1/2-inch) chocolate graham cracker squares 2 (4-serving) packages sugar-free instant chocolate pudding mix 1 1/3 cups nonfat dry milk powder 2 1/4 cups water 1/4 cup reduced-fat peanut butter 1/2 cup reduced-calorie whipped topping 1/4 cup chopped dry roasted peanuts Evenly arrange 9 graham crackers in a 9-by-9-inch cake pan. In a large

bowl, combine 1 package dry pudding mix, 2/3 cup dry milk powder and 1 1/4 cups water. Mix well using a wire whisk. Blend in peanut butter.

Spread mixture evenly over graham crackers. Refrigerate while preparing topping.

In the same bowl, combine remaining package dry pudding mix, remaining 2/3 cup dry milk powder and remaining 1 cup water. Mix well using wire whisk. Blend in whipped topping. Spread topping mixture evenly over chocolate filling. Finely crush remaining 3 graham crackers.

Evenly sprinkle crumbs and peanuts over top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Cut into 8 pieces.

© 2020 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

mustard and Pit Boss Sweet Rib Rub. Lay them on the grill bone side down and smoke at 225 F for 3 hours.

After 3 hours, wrap them tightly in foil, leaving one side open to add in your butter, brown sugar, honey, and apple juice. Then, seal them up and place them back on the grill flesh side down for 2 more hours.

To finish them off, remove the foil and lay the ribs bone side down for an hour or until they reach an internal temperature of 185–190 F, making sure to add your favorite BBQ sauce and crank up the grill temperature to 275 F, 15–20 minutes before the ribs are done. the gift of a gourmet spice pack.

For more gift ideas to make cooking outdoors easier and more versatile, such as covers to protect the grill when it’s not in use or a defrosting tray to thaw foods in a hurry, visit pitboss-grills.com.

(SPT)

Add some kick to your next barbecue

T

raditional fare like hot dogs and hamburgers will always be big hits at backyard barbecues, but men and women hosting barbecues need not feel beholden to such traditional fare.

Expanding the menu can be part of the fun when barbecuing, particularly for those hosts and guests who like a little kick with their food cooked over an open flame.

Jamaican jerks pastes, also called “rubs,” that are made of spices, herbs and onions are the most popular and authentic jerk flavoring method. Rubs are rubbed all over the surface of the raw meat to create a wholly unique and potentially very spicy flavor.

This recipe for “Jerk Rub” from Helen Wilinski’s “Jerk From Jamaica: Barbecue Caribbean Style” (Ten Speed Press) is a medium-hot paste

that can easily be made hotter by adding more chilies or hot pepper sauce.

Jerk Rub

Makes about 1 cup; enough for 4 to 6 pounds of meat 1 onion, finely chopped 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions, including green parts 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon ground Jamaican allspice 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 4 to 6 Scotch bonnet or habanero chilies, minced fine 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, combine all the ingredients and grind to a paste. Refrigerate leftovers in a tightly closed jar for about 1 month. (MC)

J U N E 14, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

GARDENING

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

J

une is the month to prepare your landscape for a long, hot summer. Like any project, the more efficient you are with preparation, the more successful the project will be. Here are some things you can do to make your garden successful this year — starting in June.

Start with a good garden clean up.

Remove all left over brown material, cutting back to healthy plant material and raking out litter that could harbor insect pests or ignite if a cinder from a local wildfire should pass your way.

Consider mulching empty areas with a light colored decomposed granite, compost, wood chips or gravel. Avoid dark colors when possible since they absorb heat and can become foot-scorchingly hot!

No non-living material is perfect; stone retains heat, compost is most efficient when moistened with our precious and expensive water, and wood chips are flammable. But you might find it artistic and practical to use different materials in different areas.

Other spaces may do well planted with attractive low water flowers or shrubs. (Most planting will be easiest when the weather cools in the autumn.)

Whatever you decide, using mulch is a good way to hold moisture in the soil and cool plant roots. It can be an attractive addition and a water-saving device for creating an artistic statement as well as making a landscape safer, more efficient, and easier to maintain when varied materials are thoughtfully designed into the garden.

Irrigation

Take another look at irrigation. Set irrigation systems for the most efficient watering. Make sure water is penetrating the soil and not washing away. Regularly check for leaks and breaks. Adjust your controllers

to deal with the longer, warmer and drier days. Set watering systems to irrigate early in the morning and look into an automatically adjusting system that will save you time and energy.

Put together soaker hoses and drip systems to keep your garden plants strong and healthy while reducing your water bills.

Most gardens will benefit from more than one type of irrigation system. Trees will like slow, deep watering, lawns need broad sprinklers, drought-tolerant gardens will do well with drip irrigation, and so on. A well-designed garden will make efficient use of space and materials. Good irrigation plans will build in the best ways to apply water to assure minimal waste and expense while delivering your plants the water they need.

Compost

Got compost? Dig it into the soil now. Our lean soil will appreciate any additional organic matter and their much-needed nutrients.

If you don’t have a compost heap this is a great time to start one as you clean up the blown leaves and winter die-off from the garden. Use compost over the surface of flower and vegetable beds alike. If you don’t have compost of your own, buy it in bags or try another mulch material like bark chips that will slowly break down but still offer up much-needed organic matter.

A top dressing of mulch will help keep moisture in the soil as we head into the long dry season. It will also insulate underground roots from baking sun.

Planting

Move from seeding and planting to maintaining and supporting. Plant seeds and starter plants of summer vegetables. Seeds of bush beans, carrots, radishes and beets can be planted every few weeks for quick, successive crops. Otherwise, keep all your other vegetables, fruits and flowers inspected for insect invasions, properly pruned and well-watered and fed.

Make sure your soil has been turned and organic amendments are

Mulch can be stone, tumbled glass, different types of wood chips, decomposed granite, compost, pavers, flagstone and much more! PHOTO COURTESY JANE GATES / THE SIGNAL

dug in. Don’t let newly planted additions or transplants dry out and give them some temporary shade for a day or two if hot sun is forecast.

Keep plants looking neat by supporting them with trellises, pruning, and tying. Extend flowering by deadheading — snipping off spent flowers to redirect energy from forming seeds to creating more blooms. And remove weeds as they sprout before the roots go deep and the job becomes harder.

Keep lawns cut and properly irrigated. If you don’t have a drought-tolerant, well-established lawn area, it probably will not fare well in the summer without excessive watering and time consuming fussing.

June is still a good time to replace your grass with a more water efficient variety or take out lawn areas that are not vital and replant them with an attractive water-wise garden. The city is once again offering rebates for lawn removal, so consider many of the many alternatives you could try that would look great, reduce water bills and maintenance as well as add more useful and productive space to your outdoor space.

Read

Look for ideas in books, online, in

magazines, visit local public gardens or call a local garden designer for customized, creative garden solutions to fit into your lifestyle.

Consider making the best of your garden space. Small spaces can benefit from container gardens and larger spaces can be beautiful and easily maintained with native gardens.

For larger yards consider cooling water features and shade covers to make for a more comfortable outdoor summer. And don’t forget to add a cools spot for the kids and pets!

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14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 14, 2020

HOME

Energy-efficient ideas to upgrade your home

E

nergy bills are likely among the largest expenses for homeowners, but you can take action to lower those costs. During a remodel, a certified

contractor can help you make smart decisions when it comes to selecting appliances, windows and insulation for your projects.

Though upgrades made with effi-

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Learn how you can reduce your home’s energy reliance and environmental impact with these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry:

Heating and cooling

Climate control is one of the largest home energy users. A programmable thermostat is a simple starting point and can save up to one-third of heating and cooling costs. Cutting-edge models can even learn your family’s behaviors and tweak usage for maximum savings.

Additional ways to save energy include sealing leaky ducts, cleaning or changing air filters regularly and replacing your furnace or air conditioner with an energy-efficient model, particularly if your heating and cooling systems are more than 15 years old.

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The average house dedicates 5-10% of its energy budget to lighting.

windows can save 33% of the heating cost for a typical home in cooler climates, and in hotter environments, double-pane, low solar-gain windows can reduce cooling costs by up to 32%.

Lighting

The average house dedicates 5-10% of its energy budget to lighting. To cut your use, switch to LED lights, turn off unneeded lights and, where possible, use natural light. Relying on task lights and installing motion detectors, can also help further limit your lighting-related energy usage.

Appliances

The refrigerator is a major energy drain, accounting for up to 15% of the energy bill in some homes, particularly models that are 15 years old or older. Design plays a major role in a refrigerator’s efficiency; it needs adequate air flow for optimal function.

Be realistic about your needs and only buy as big a unit as you require.

Be aware that icemakers and dispensers not only add to the up-front cost, they’re also less efficient. As with any appliance, shop for a model that offers as many energy-saving features as you can afford.

Landscaping

Trees positioned to reduce summer sun and winter wind can reduce a household’s energy use by 25% or more. In summer, trees can lower air temperature as much as 9 F through shading and evapotranspiration. In winter, a well-designed landscape can cut heating bills by about one-third.

Find more tips for creating a more energy-efficient home at remodeling doneright.com. (Family Features)

J U N E 14, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

Create a fire safety plan to include your pets

F

ire safety measures are essential yet often overlooked.

In addition to outlining the proper action to take should a fire break out, a fire safety evacuation plan can be an invaluable, life-saving tool. A fire safety plan should include all members of a household — including pets.

The American Humane Society says each year more than 500,000 pets are affected by house fires. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by pets.

Pets are curious animals and they may investigate open flames from unattended candles, fireplaces or grills.

Pets may start fires by accidentally turning stove knob covers or biting on or playing with electrical wires and outlets.

Young pets may be especially inquisitive and boisterous, so fires may be prevented by keeping young ani-

and leashes as well as pet carriers near the exits.

• Invest in a pet safety sticker and hang it in a visible window to alert firefighters that you have pets inside. The sticker includes important information, such as the number of pets, type of pets and veterinarian contact information.

mals behind gates or in secure areas when there are open flames.

There are many ways to safeguard everyone in the event of fire. Here are some steps to include in a fire safety plan.

• Check and replace smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.

Monitored smoke detectors can be helpful if you regularly leave pets home alone, since firefighters will be alerted and can respond.

• Take inventory of where pets like to

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hide or nap. This can prove helpful if you need to evacuate a home quickly due to fire. Remember that pets can sense stress and may be more difficult to catch if they feel something is amiss, advises the ASPCA. Therefore, try to remain as calm as possible.

• Keep pets near exits when you are not home to make it easier for firefighters to enter the house and save the animals. The Red Cross also recommends placing collars

• Plan escape routes and practice evacuations. Make sure at least one family member is in charge of grabbing pets and getting outside safely so others can focus on evacuation.

Identify all exits and what to do if one or more exits is impassable.

• Have a game plan should the house be damaged and uninhabitable.

Line up a place to meet outside and explore pet-friendly accommodations at a hotel, friend or family member’s house.

Fire safety plans should involve all members of the household, including companion animals. (MC)

16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 14, 2020

H E A LT H

Tips to help avoid injuries during at-home workouts

A

ny time is a great time to get in shape.

People with more time on their hands due to stay-at-home restrictions may want to begin an exercise regimen right away. When proper form is followed, exercise can be highly effective.

However, failing to exercise properly can result in injuries that sidetrack fitness plans.

Exercise is a significant component of a healthy lifestyle. The U.S. Surgeon General, the Institute of Medicine, the American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine all say that daily physical activity is necessary.

Harvard Medical School says most people should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise or 15 minutes of intense exercise a day. As important as duration of exercise can be, proper form is a must. The following are some ways to avoid injury while exercising.

Consult with your doctor

Speak with a doctor before beginning an exercise regimen, especially if it has been some time since you last exercised. A physician will tell you if there are certain workouts or activities you should avoid, or give you a green light. Discuss exercise each time you get a physical.

Begin slowly

Harvard Medical School experts say that sprains, muscle strains, tendinitis, knee injuries, and rotator cuff tears are some of the more common exerciseand sports-related injuries.

Slowly wading into the water and building up intensity gradually can help prevent some of these injuries. Choosing non-impact exercises, such as swimming, or using an elliptical machine, can be helpful if you have a preexisting condition like arthritis or osteoporosis or a history of injury.

Warm up

Don’t start workouts cold. Spend several minutes stretching and gradually increasing your heart rate.

Consider a personal trainer

Many people do not know where to start their exercise journeys. A personal trainer can help you begin safely and structure a fitness plan that becomes more challenging as your body acclimates to exercise.

Personal trainers also can hold you accountable.

Many trainers work independently and may offer guidance remotely through services like Skype, FaceTime or Zoom.

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Caution when lifting weights

Get instructed on the proper form for lifting weights, as there is a risk for serious injury when not following form. Spotters are key when lifting heavy weights or if you’re jittery after an intense routine. Ask a friend or family member to spot you any time you’re doing strength training. This can prevent injuries and emergencies.

Novices need to learn the ropes when they begin to exercise for the first time or after a long pause in physical activity.

J U N E 14, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Fishing for ideas for outdoor fun with dad

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Editor

I

t doesn’t take much to get kids hooked on fishing, and it’s a great activity to get your family safely outdoors during these trying times. But before your kids hit the dock, pond or river bank, or climb aboard a canoe or boat, there are a few things to do to prepare for this fun family sport.

Safety first: • Check to see if life vests fit your kids properly this year. Remind them to wear vests at all times while near water.

• Use a metal file to remove barbs from fishing hooks that young anglers will be using. This precaution can help avoid serious injury to the skin, as well as prevent snags in clothing.

• Pick up a bottle of good-quality sunscreen, and have hats with visors for everyone.

K I D S & FA M I LY

Fishing fun: • Practice casting the fishing line without a hook in the backyard or at a park. Substitute a piece of hook-andloop fastener such as Velcro attached to a weighted end of the hook. Place small toys with pieces of matching Velcro attached to them on the lawn.

Try to “fish” for the toys.

• Make a pint-size tackle box from a cardboard egg carton. Fill the spaces with useful items such as a bobber, canned or fresh corn kernels for bait, and some mini peanut-butter sandwiches in case the angler gets hungry for a snack. Use brass fasteners to attach fabric or leather strips on top of the carton to make it an easy carryall.

Tip Outwit the worms!

The common way to transport worms and dirt to the fishing hole is with a small tin can with a plastic snap-on lid. But when it comes time to bait the hook, the worms are usually hiding at the bottom of the

container. Here’s an easy solution: Before scooping worms and dirt into the can, remove the bottom with a can opener and snap on another tight-fitting plastic lid. Your kids can open either end when it comes time to fish and can easily find the bait. (Remember to poke holes in the plastic lids to allow air in the can.)

Donna Erickson’s award-winning se-

ries “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.

Fun playtime ideas to do with dad on his day

P

in a hat or bowl. Take turns choosing a slip of paper from the mix.

Without speaking, act out a word or phrase that others can guess. Whoever guesses correctly then begins his or her turn.

laytime is one of the best opportunities for dads, grandfathers and other father figures to serve as role models in a child’s life, and research shows that these experiences have a number of positive health benefits for kids.

According to experts at The Genius of Play, a research-based initiative providing parents and caregivers with facts, inspiration, and hands-on resources to help make playtime an important part of every day, regular active physical play between fathers and young children is associated with improved developmental outcomes.

To help make Father’s Day special for kids and dads alike, check out these fun and creative playtime ideas from The Genius of Play.

Storytime Stretch Read or tell a story to your child that has a single word repeated often. Have your child jump, stretch, clap or do some other exaggerated physical movement every time they hear the word. Then, mix things up and have your child tell you a story. This is a great way to spend time together building vocabulary,

Two Truths and a Tale Take turns saying three things about yourself.

Two are true, but one is not. The other players have to hold up one, two or three fingers to indicate which of the three statements they think is untrue.

The person who guesses correctly then takes a turn. If no one gets it right, the fibber goes again!

© WAVEBREAKMEDIA / ISTOCK VIA GETTY IMAGES PLUS

boosting creativity and having fun.

science kit together.

Science Kit Whether it’s erupting a volcano, building a system of pulleys and levers or growing crystals, dads and kids can learn about science and engineering, as well as practice following directions by completing a

Charades Choose a category for the game such as television shows, songs, sports, animals or professions.

Then have everyone write down a noun in that category on a slip of paper. Mix the slips of paper together

Build a Fort Collaborate and stretch the imagination with fort-building. First drape sheets over the backs of chairs and stack pillows underneath or decorate cardboard boxes with markers or paint and attach them together. Now you can use your fort as a secret clubhouse to play board games and cards, or pretend you’re defending a castle – the possibilities are endless.

For more play tips and resources, visit TheGeniusofPlay.org.

18 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

SOLUTIONS

PUZZLES

J U N E 14, 2020

CROSSWORD TIME

J U N E 14, 2020

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 9

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

READERLETTERS

We Need Bob Kellar In my almost 30 years of my family and I living here in Santa Clarita, I have encountered Bob Kellar in many different settings.

First, he has been a member of the boards for both the Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club and the SCV Boys & Girls Club Foundation. In those roles, he has actively worked to improve the lives for all SCV kids, particularly those at risk. These children come from all races and ethnicities, yet Bob has consistently made it a point to help them.

Second, as an attorney I have clients from a wide range of backgrounds, income levels and nationalities. Bob has always been open and receptive to their needs and concerns. I have never seen him treat one person differently than another. Rather, he believes it is his job to listen and effectively represent the citizens (all of them) of Santa Clarita. That’s why he’s always reelected in a landslide.

Third, annually he has opened his home to host a fundraiser to assist the Domestic Violence Center. These efforts have raised thousands of dollars for women when they need the help the most.

Finally, I have known Bob as a friend. While he and I are at polar opposites of the political spectrum, I don’t know anyone who has a greater love for the city and all of its citizens than Bob. He better not resign – we need him.

Carl Kanowsky Santa Clarita

What About Our Seniors?

Isolation is not helping senior citizens. They deserve better.

The rest of society is opening up with no interest in modifying or lifting the shutdown of our seniors. There is a good reason for this shutdown, because the government doesn’t want residents of care facilities to die, but the “horse is out of the barn” and it puts the government in a bad light. Unfortunately, some residents have become inactive, immobile, delirious, disoriented, depressed and terrified, which should be disconcerting to us all. On the rise are suicides, especially young people who are our future after the seniors won’t be able to perform as good citizens and patriots.

The loss of these young people and our seniors could only be of the tip of an iceberg. Seniors in isolation will cause many more deaths than COVID-19. The survival of these seniors can only be achieved by them socializing with their peers. These seniors deserve a better way of life in their golden years. They are from the great generation that brought this country back from the abyss of the Great Depression, and they endured World War II with energy, fortitude and patriotism.

They have to be taken into consideration for a better way of life for what they have done for this country, the American people and the rest of the world. Someday the golden years will catch up with you and at that time you will be deserving of a better way of life.

Lois Eisenberg Santa Clarita Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters are not printed; Email: letters@signalscv.com.

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

No Sticks for Bad Leaders

By David Hegg

I

have to admit I love old movies, especially those that have some sappy allegiance to themes like loyalty, chivalry and love. As old-fashioned as it may be, I still like heroes and happy endings where the good guy wins and gets the girl.

In one of my favorites, “Camelot,” a substantive element is the question of power. In initiating his round table cadre, King Arthur determines power is best used to preserve and extend whatever benefits his people. He coins the phrase “might for right.” You don’t have to be an ethicist to recognize the connection between the use of power and an underlying cause by which it is to be directed and controlled: Might controlled by an ethical pursuit of what is right.

Lord Acton is famous for saying “power corrupts, and absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely.” As with all aphorisms, this one is not a guarantee as much as a wise perception of human nature that we disregard at our peril. Without an ethical underpinning, power usually runs toward self-promotion rather than the common good. This too often means the corruption of one’s integrity in pursuit of prosperity. This trend is what Camelot’s King Arthur was opposing. Power must never be used to promote selfish desires at the expense of societal well-being. Such would constitute an abuse of power. Yet, we are seeing this as a matter of common course in our day. We don’t have to look far to find out why.

Recently I asked some good friends what they thought about the overall ethical climate in the U.S. One answer stuck with me because of its simplicity and deep insight.

His answer was “it is ungrounded.” Upon further questioning I learned that he saw the ethics of our country overall as no longer stemming from a mutually agreed upon set of beliefs. Our ethics no longer rise from common ground. Hence, we have no common ethic. This means our ways of living, which arise from our various autonomous ethical beliefs, are becoming more and more diverse. Increasingly the cry is for tolerance not truth. And it must be so because we can’t agree on what is true, or if such a thing as

absolute truth even exists.

And where will this take us?

It is clear we have fallen further into class and racial warfare, political and religious sectarianism, and the great cynicism that comes with increasing divisions among us. The past weeks we’ve been shown the horrible malignancy that infects our nation and world. A malignancy known as racially motivated contempt, bias and violence against fellow human beings.

While this sickens any moral person, it is – sadly – not surprising.

We have too easily surrendered important decisions to those in power, thinking they would have our best interest in mind.

We have foolishly entrusted power to those who promise what they can’t produce, and who insist that their private values, moral standards and religious convictions have no part in public discourse. They want us to grant them power without knowing whether they will use it for right or wrong. Once entrenched, they create divisions among us to stay in power.

Today we live in a nation where “might for right” has eroded into “might to stay mighty.”

You might oppose my opinion by reminding me that things didn’t work out too well for King Arthur. But I would counter with the argument that his strategy fell apart due to the unethical and immoral practices of those nearest to him. His view of power, its necessary pitfalls, and the superiority of using it for the betterment of others rather than self was correct. Where he was blind was in trusting those who only appeared to have moral integrity.

The lesson is clear. Never give a man a stick if there’s a chance he’ll beat you with it.

Better yet, seek out those leaders whose lives testify to great moral commitment, who have suffered loss rather than break the public trust, and who are not afraid to tell the truth.

We can no longer afford to entrust power to those who will use it to pursue their dreams rather than ours.

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

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