Sunday Signal July 5, 2020

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J U LY 5, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES

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FROM THE MAYOR

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TECHNOLOGY

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You don’t have to go far for vino Don’t fret: new streaming content is on the way Talking to kids about getting back to ‘normal’ New friends abound at Castaic shelter

8 Remember the heroes this Fourth of July 9 Kim’s tech tips for signatures, emails, phone calls

HEALTH

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SENIOR LIVING

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10 Herd immunity: How does it occur and when is it reached?

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Protect yourself from Medicare fraud

FOOD

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HOME

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ENTERTAINMENT

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GARDENING

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BUSINESS

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KIDS & FAMILY

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12 Good-for-you sweet treats 13 Weekend home improvement projects 14 Acclaimed and long-awaited ‘Hamilton’ debuts 15 Four easy steps to a chemical-free backyard 16 Four creative ways to drive website traffic Use social media to foster connections 17 Donna’s Day: Welcome a new baby with wearable art Junior Whirl 18 Enjoy a virtual ‘visit’ of a museum this summer It’s time to get more kids biking, helping others

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REAL ESTATE

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19 How to save your face one exercise at a time Eyebrow health and maintenance

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4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 5, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

You don’t have to go far for vino tions for the winery, noting the recent celebration of National Rosé Day on the second Saturday in June.

By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

W

hile the rules on when and where we can drink seem to be changing quite literally day by day — one moment, the city is creating an innovative plan to add outdoor dining; the next, the state temporarily is shuttering bars, again, altogether — wine enthusiasts should at least know what’s in the area.

Afterall, hope springs eternal, whether the wine glass is half-empty or half-full.

In addition to a growing number of tasting rooms in the Santa Clarita Valley that still sell wine, the area hosts a number of great getaways that are perfect for a fun day trip that’ll let you buy some wine, enjoy the outdoors and spend some time with your loved ones.

All of the options listed below are not only a little more affordable than heading into more traditional wine country destinations like Napa or Sonoma counties, and they’re also much, much closer.

The following is just a few suggestions, but outside of Fillmore’s Giessinger, the list only represents some of the options. Due to varying COVID-19 restrictions, make sure you check before you go.

Giessinger Winery

Fillmore’s lone winery is just about a half-hour’s drive down Highway 126, near a bevy of fresh fruits and a honey farm that are also worth exploring.

Giessinger Winery offers a tasting room right outside the SCV, where Ed Giessinger has released his wines for almost 25 years. Ventura County regulations might be different than L.A. County’s, depending on when you go, so it’s always good to check first.

He found the SCV-adjacent location on a lark while he was driving from the Los Angeles area to where he works as a professor of astrophysics at University of California, Santa Barbara, not long after the Northridge Earthquake. The city was looking to revitalize, and Giessinger’s family has vineyards back home in Alsace-Lorraine, as well as Alge-

Reyes Winery is located at 10262 Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce. Reservations are required. For more information, contact (661) 268-1865.

Agua Dulce Winery

Pam Cheatwood, left, discusses wine selections for purchase from Doug Minnick and Scott Page-Pagter, seated, of the Double Trouble Wine Room during the NewHaul to-Go drive-up event held on Main Street in Newhall in June. While changes to what can be served and where seem to be constant, there are a number of local wine options available. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

ria — so an opportunity presented itself, and Giessinger joined the family business.

The location has a cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and malbec that are all popular, as well as a Westlake Village location. There are different varietals offered at each spot, he said.

Giessinger Winery’s Fillmore location is at 365 Santa Clara St. (805) 524-5000

Antelope Valley

The Antelope Valley has a wine scene that has a growing reputation, and a growing number of spots to enjoy wine.

Run by the Williams family, Golden Star sources their grapes from Ephraim Chavez from High Desert Cellars, who’s been supplying winemakers in the area since 1999 (including Reyes Winery in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The Littlerock location’s first release came in 2004, with the commercial vineyard following several successful homemade efforts in 2012.

While their tasting menu currently includes a chardonnay, a syrah mistral and an estate tempranillo, among others, it’s always a good idea to check before you go, due to changing statewide rules.

The tasting room is located at 36043 106th St. East, Littlerock. Call (661) 713-6660 for more information. The Thief & Barrel (42257 6th St. W No. 302, Lancaster) and Antelope Valley Winery (42041 20th St. W, Lancaster) are also not too far from each other.

RIght here at home

There’s a handful of tasting rooms and wine sellers in the Santa Clarita Valley and even a couple great new locations on Main Street — but if you’re looking for the winery experience, there’s a couple of locations just outside city limits that offer great wines and beautiful settings.

Reyes Winery

Robert Reyes is opening up a new location on Main Street, which is slated to be a tasting room, to feature his wines from SCV grapes, as well as ones that are sourced regionally.

In the meantime, his Reyes Winery offered curbside pickup, in-store service, as well as wine tastings or glasses of wine (outdoor only) by reservation at its winery and tasting room on Sierra Highway in Agua Dulce up until the recent closure.

There are still some wines for purchase though.

“We kind of tied this month to a lot of rosé,” said Beth Heiserman, who handles marketing and communica-

Just down the street from Reyes on Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce Winery offers a number of local options, as well.

The staff also is working to comply with the ever-changing health orders, so it’s available options, just like for everyone else, could change.

However, right now, the “picnic program” is a popular option, and offers a bottle of wine and a tea plate that lets you sit in a serene setting near some of the animals at the facility.

The Sweetwater Rose is probably also their most popular choice right now due to the rising temperatures.

The “hugely popular” wine is chilled, and described as having a slightly sweet flavor with lots of fruit.

Agua Dulce Winery is located at 9640 Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce.

Call (661) 268-7402 for more information.

SCV tasting rooms

If you’re feeling especially ambitious and have a ride-sharing account, there are several tasting rooms in Santa Clarita, in addition to the one Reyes Winery is building on Main Street.

Double Trouble Wine Room, which opened in May 2017, is unique in that it is a blend of two wineries, Hoi Polloi and Pagter Brothers Wines, coming together to join forces. Pulchella Winery is also nearby if you’re in the neighborhood.

Wine 661 is also a fun, popular, local destination with countless wines from which to choose.

The Double Trouble Wine Room is located at 24338 Main St., Newhall.

661-476-5627. Wine 661 is located at 24268 Valencia Blvd.

J U LY 5, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

Don’t fret: New streaming content is on the way

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

W

hen the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, the cameras stopped rolling in the film industry throughout the world.

Friends and family hunkered down on their couches to weather the storm with streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon. HBO and other streaming services have also joined the mix with new content, a lot of which is also available on the big three.

With a little more free time now available, people binged their favorite programs and cleared queues filled with shows and movies.

But after about four months of COVID-19induced streaming, some have run out of content; the well has been tapped, and it seems like watching “The Office” for the fourth time through this week isn’t very appealing.

However, there are some hidden gems worth watching. And streaming isn’t an option, then what can you expect, coming down the pipeline, in terms of returning to the silver screen when they eventually return?

Hidden gems

Here are a few suggestions gaining attention despite not having a lot of hype surrounding their release, either here or abroad.

“Broadchurch” is a bingeable show that comes to us from the United Kingdom, but can be enjoyed by all mature audiences. The story follows David Tenant’s character, Alec Hardy, and Oscar winner Olivia Colman’s character, Ellie Miller, who are police detectives working to solve a murder in their small English coastal town. The murder mystery includes twist and turns, and has become listed as a “Popular on Netflix” show since it came to the streaming platform a few months ago.

Documentaries such as “Finders Keepers” available on Amazon Prime follows the rather dark story of amputee John Wood and his fight with Shannon Whisnant, who inadvertently purchased Wood’s leg prosthesis after it somehow turned up in a grill she bought at an auction.

Amazon describes it as a “true-life tragicomedy about fame, addiction and family.”

And finally, there’s no such thing better than living out some nostalgia, but doing so with your kids. Currently, “Rugrats,” the hit cartoon show from the 90s, is currently available on Hulu.

“See life from the ground up with Tommy, Chuckie, Susie, Lil, Phil and the hardly angelic Angelica,” reads the description on Hulu before offering you access to all nine seasons of content. “Usually led by fearless leader Tommy, the Rugrats turn the ordinary into the extraordinary and every day into the perfect setting for adventure.”

“A Quiet Place: Part II” and Disney’s live-action version of “Mulan” are just a couple of the big budget pictures expected soon, although schedules remain somewhat in flux.

Homegrown hits

Santa Clarita is in part known for its proximity to Hollywood and the town’s consistent featuring roles in notable television programs. Within Santa Clarita, there are 30 sound stages, 10 movie ranches and countless numbers of scenic locations that all contribute to nearly $30 million in revenue for the city each year.

There are a number of shows you can watch on streaming services that use the SCV as a backdrop, according to Evan Thomason, head of Santa Clarita’s Film Office. “‘Justified,’ you can watch it on Netflix, and it went five or six seasons — and that was heavily filmed in Santa Clarita,” said Thomason. “So, people would recognize a lot of Old Town Newhall in there.”

In “Justified,” according to the Netflix description, “U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens takes the law into his own hands, frontier-style, as he faces off against crooks in the Appalachian town where he grew up.”

Additionally, shows like “Sons of Anarchy,” display local scenery even though they’ve been off the air for some time.

“I enjoyed ‘Atypical’ and ‘Jean-Claude Van Johnson,’ were both really clever,” said Thomason, adding that he thought the show ‘Unbelievable’ was also a Santa Clarita-filmed show that was binge-worthy. “I would advise people to look at the age of appropriateness of some of these because some of them are light and comedy, and some of them are heavier subject matter. ‘Unbelievable’ would fall into that (latter) category, but it was very well done.”

For lighter content that can be binged, is lesser-known and was also filmed in Santa Clarita is “Ultimate Beastmaster.” Described on Netflix as: “In this intense obstacle course series, elite athletes from the U.S. and other countries compete for cash prizes, individual glory and national pride.”

Thomason said a number of the contestants lived at the Hyatt while filming the show, conducting a number of their interviews from inside the hotel.

Movie theaters

For some studios, it was a week before Los Angeles County announced it’s stay-at-home order back in March, that they decided to halt production out of safety concerns.

And while production companies have been told they can resume their filming, a number have opted not to, whether due to general concerns about the COVID-19, or because of simple logistical issues.

These issues have been felt not only on the production side, but also on the movie theater side. As it currently stands under the present health order, the way in which we watch movies will be drastically altered.

“Movie theaters are not yet open, but drive-in theaters are, as long as social (physical) distancing and infection control practices are followed,” reads the most recent public health order.

It’s unclear when movies will be watchable from the silver screen once again, but there are a number of movies, that once the theaters do reopen, people will have their eyes on.

Movies expected to come soon, barring continued delays, include: “Bill & Ted Face the Music” is set to release Aug. 28; “A Quiet Place Part II” is set to release on Sept. 4; and “The Kings Man” is set for release Sept. 18.

For more family friendly entertainment in theaters, Disney’s “Mulan” is set to release on July 24 and “The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run” is going to release on July 31 — although there’s constant speculation about possible changes to those dates.

6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 5, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

Talking to kids about getting back to ‘normal’ Stay connected with your child’s school

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

S

chool closures across the nation have affected more than 56 million students due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving them and their families to try and adapt to ever-evolving changes for months.

Now into the summer months and with lockdown restrictions easing, the discussion about things like how will our schools reopen, how can we safely eat out together and what about gyms and playgrounds will continue to dominate talk.

School, for example, will undoubtedly offer a new routine for students, parents and educators. Health guidelines indicate schools could include one-way hallways, masks for all and closing down cafeterias.

The thought of returning to school amid the ongoing pandemic is cause for uneasiness for some families but for others, resuming classes can’t come any sooner. Among the parents ready to return to a “new normal” is Santa Clarita resident Erin Kirk Evans.

“It’s going to look very different, but I am very ready,” she said, who is a mother of a 6-year-old first-grader and a 3-year-old preschool student.

The family “overcame the worst part,” after she and her husband became ill around late January. Her husband would eventually test positive for COVID-19, and so did she, she later learned through an antibody test, in late April.

“For us, we all had to go through it.

My kids just know now to wash their hands more often and not touch everything when we go to the store — to be more cautious,” she said.

But there’s a lot more to discuss with one’s children as schools and summer camps plan to reopen besides frequent handwashing, said the mother of two.

Start a conversation and listen Talking to your children about quarantining is just as important as talking about returning to what will be a different school routine, according to Monica Dedhia, a program manager for the Santa Clarita Valley’s Child and Family Center.

“You want to start by exploring

Kimberly Facko, right, points out river rocks to her son Fernando Magana as the pair explores a creek near the Placerita Nature Center, following the initial easing of COVID-19-related restrictions on parks in May. It’s a good idea to have a conversation with kids about COVID-19, whether your summer plans might include travel, camp or anywhere outdoors where there might be groups of people. PHOTO

BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

what comes up for them. Is there worry about COVID-19 or things being different?” she said.

When having these conversations, make sure you are aware of the setting.

“Reduce distractions so that there aren’t any interruptions. If the conversation is interrupted, go back. It doesn’t have to be a one-time conversation. You want to make sure both parties are engaged and listening.”

Offer reassurance

Children pick up on adults’ energy, so it’s important to lead by example in an effort to help reduce fear, said Dedhia.

“No one expected this, so it’s also hard on the parents. Make sure you make time for self-care, because when a kid sees their parent calm, that teaches the child to be calm,” she said, adding that one way to offer reassurance is by looking at the facts and dispelling misinformation.

One way to do that is by monitoring television viewing and social media, said Evans.

Parents are encouraged to explain to children that some stories about the pandemic on the internet and social media may include rumors and

inaccurate information. Instead, talk to your child about factual information and engage your child in learning activities, according to a guide by the National Association of School Psychologists on its website.

Explain issues according to age Children in elementary stages will consume and understand information differently than those in high school. For that matter, it’s important to have conversations about returning to school and practicing safety protocols according to their age, said Dedhia.

For elementary school children, for example, the National Association of School Psychologists recommends providing brief, simple information that combines facts about the pandemic with appropriate reassurances that their guardians will keep them safe and healthy.

For middle school and high school students, issues can be discussed in more depth. “Provide honest, accurate, and factual information about the current status of COVID-19. Engage them in decision-making about family plans, scheduling, and helping with chores at home,” read the Association’s guide.

Due to developments with the ongoing pandemic changing frequently, parents should stay in touch with their child’s school to learn about the latest updates, changes for returning to class and other resources.

Districts in the Santa Clarita Valley are discussing what schools will look like based on guidelines recently issued by the L.A. County Office of Education, such as designating a sick room for staff and students who may become ill, frequent cleaning of classrooms and playgrounds and eating meals at a social distance.

The latest guidelines were designed to cover instruction, safety and health, social and emotional support, family and community engagement and operations, according to Saugus Union School District Superintendent Colleen Hawkins, who served on the county’s task force tasked with formulating the plan for reopening.

These sectors are already being considered by the local districts, she said. “I don’t think it’s unaligned from anything that we’ve started seeing in the SCV. I certainly know being a member of it has driven the information I’ve shared with the community.”

Create a plan that works for you and your kids

As parents plan to find what works for their families upon return to school, which may be a full-time return or a hybrid one where virtual, distance learning is continued, Evans said parents should remember to incorporate socialization.

“Find your quarantine bubble with like-minded people and create study groups, even if it’s just one or two other kids. Rather than being stuck on a computer by themselves, kids can practice on their assignments or participate in a project with their group in a safe manner,” she said.

“The socialization aspect is really important. The isolation leads to more fear and anxiety. We are going to do projects together and have less computer time this summer.”

J U LY 5, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

New friends abound at Castaic shelter

N E W S F E AT U R E

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

A

s stay-at-home restrictions left Santa Clarita Valley residents quarantined, the number of animal adoptions surged.

“We are very blessed in the county right now that all the facilities are low, which means a lot of people have been adopting, a lot of rescues have been pulling (animals out of the care center), so that’s a great thing,” said Brenda Beougher, a supervisor, or SPC, at the Castaic Animal Care Center.

Even so, much has changed through the pandemic, including the center’s volunteers, who have been limited, only allowed to go in every couple of days due to the safety precautions put in place. Volunteers Terra Dispirito and Leigh Geraghty agree that things have been very different.

“Some of us are doing special projects, trying to find ways to give our time to the community differently,” Geraghty said, “but it’s been hard.

(The shelter is) where I would go after I had a long day at work.”

While the Public Health protocols put in place changed the way many things were done at the care center, officials believe their “new normal” still has some benefits.

Animal adoptions

With restrictions still in place, the care center is open to the public by appointment only, so those looking to adopt an animal must first visit the center’s website to view available animals.

“If they see an animal that they’re interested in adopting, they would call in,” Beougher said. “If it’s not available, we would place their name on a list, and at that point, we would call them back when it’s available.”

If unable to get through, as the center has been inundated with calls, Dispirito suggests private messaging the center on social media for additional help.

At the appointment, potential adopters would have an allotted time to visit and interact with the animal.

“If they needed more time than the time that was allotted, we could reschedule them to come back to do the

Left: Animal Control Officer Harmon holds a 6-month-old bunny at Castaic Animal Care Center. PHOTO COURTESY CASTAIC ANIMAL CARE CENTER. Right: Volunteer Renee Focht sits with “Chocolate” a 10-year-old pit bull available at the Castaic Animal Care Center in Castaic. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

adoption,” Beougher added.

Social media’s assistance

“Out of all the care centers, we have a great team,” Dispirito said.

Though limited, staff and volunteers have been working hard to keep the center’s social media active, working together to post animals that are available for adoption. “(Volunteers) were doing a great job before with networking our animals, but now more than ever, that approach has been showing that it’s very successful,” said Carlos Pineda, the center’s manager. “We’re able to make connections because of the tools that we have available.”

“Without social media, a lot of our animals would still be in the care center, but with social media, we’re able to network to a wider variety of people,” Beougher added.

Social media has also become a resource for lost pets, with a number of Facebook groups in the SCV dedicated to locating missing animals, as well as Shadow, a free app used by the county that works to reunite lost pets.

An expanded foster program

“Usually, the only way to foster was if you were already a volunteer within the county and it would be for, say an injured or unweaned animal to nurse them back into health,” Beougher said.

Now, the department has opened its foster program to the community,

allowing anyone to apply to foster an animal temporarily until it is placed into its forever home.

“So, if somebody finds a stray animal, and they’re willing to hold on to it, we are pushing towards that,” Beougher added. “It could be in a warm, loving home, while we try to either get it back with its owner or in a new home.”

While spring is usually kitten season, meaning the center sees an influx of cats, Geraghty says this year has been unique due to the pandemic.

“It’s created a kitten frenzy,” Geraghty said, chuckling. “Normally, you couldn’t place a commitment to adopt without coming to the center, but now within 10 minutes of them going into the system, they’re completely gone.”

Surrendering an animal

“Because of COVID, we’re doing a better job of asking the right questions to help keep animals in their homes,” Geraghty said.

Through the pandemic, the center has been working hard to change the public’s perception of surrendering animals, according to Beougher.

“The last thing we want is people to surrender their animals, so we are trying to offer plenty of resources for owners,” she added. “For example, if they can’t afford food, we do have food that we can give out. If they’re looking for medical treatment, we can

reach out to the local vets and see if there are services they can provide for them at a lower cost.”

While the goal is to keep an animal in its home, if all resources have been exhausted and an animal still needs to be surrendered, it can be done by appointment.

“I really like how we’re approaching things, and I believe we were doing this all along, but we’re working extra hard at this,” Geraghty said.

Coming back to a ‘new normal’

“All of our lives have been impacted, and the ability to to open our care centers and just allow people to congregate here is going to be difficult,” Pineda said. “We have to be prudent.”

Now, as volunteers have begun to return to the center, able to walk the dogs and play with the cats, officials are starting to look towards new ways of doing things, such as virtual-based adoption events.

Adoption fees have been waived through the month of July at all L.A. County Animal Care Centers. Adopters must still pay license fee and trust deposit.

The Castaic Animal Care Center is located at 31044 Charlie Canyon Road in Castaic. For more information, visit animalcare.lacounty.gov, call (661) 257-3191 or follow them on social media @castaicanimalslaco.

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 5, 2020

F R O M T H E M AY O R

Remember the heroes this Fourth of July

By Mayor Cameron Smyth

E

very year, the Fourth of July holiday is filled with parades, professional fireworks shows, barbecuing and other festivities with family and loved ones.

Individuals look forward to sporting patriotic attire and decor while celebrating our great nation’s independence. However, most importantly, each of us must always remember and recognize the heroes who afforded us the opportunity to celebrate our freedom every July 4.

The Fourth of July, as we know it, was established through the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

To celebrate the Declaration, bells were rung and music was played for all to enjoy, thus marking the beginning of annual Independence Day festivities.

Throughout American history, including the time before the Declaration, after it and up to this very day, men and women have fought to protect our freedom so we may enjoy the festivities of the Fourth.

We continue to rely on the heroic efforts of our servicemen and servicewoman to maintain the lib-

erties that we hold dear. Without their hard work and sacrifices, we would not be the great country we are today.

As the festivities and excitement surrounding Independence Day subsides, I ask that you continue to keep our veterans in mind.

These individuals have put their lives on the line for our freedom and it is important we continue to honor them.

Many of those who have served for us, come back home to be met with additional challenges as they transition back to normal life.

Let’s show support in any way possible to help

our heroes through these life transitions! Call up a family member who has served, write to someone currently serving, donate to local veteran organizations and more to show you care.

Another way that we can help our veterans is by not participating in illegal firework use. We should all be cognizant that loud fireworks can result in stress and or anxiety for our veterans battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our heroes currently serving, and those who have previously served, deserve our appreciation and respect.

Thank you again to all of the men and women working to protect the independence we enjoy! We support and celebrate each of you on the Fourth of July and every day after for the selfless work you have done to keep us safe.

The City of Santa Clarita is grateful to all of our local veteran heroes, and all of our essential workers who play crucial roles during the COVID pandemic, and every day.

I wish all of you a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Mayor Cameron Smyth is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at csmyth@ santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal.

J U LY 5, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

TECHNOLOGY

Kim’s tech tips for signatures, emails, phone calls

By Kim Komando Signal Contributing Writer

M

ake your electronic signature Even in the digital age, a handwritten signature provides a personal touch. I like to add the signature of my first name only to my email, notes to fans of my show, and on my website. For security purposes, it’s not my authentic signature that I use on legal documents.

To create your electronic signature, use a black ink pen, sign a white piece of paper, and scan or photograph it.

Using your favorite photo editor, save the file with a maximum width of 300 pixels. Keep it at a 1:3 ratio where height is visually one-third of the width.

Also, it’s good to be mindful of the file size. Ideally, any signature graphic

should be small (under 50 KB) so that it loads quickly for recipients, doesn’t delay your emails being sent, and doesn’t take up space on mail servers.

Keep in mind that if you’re signing legal documents, these documents typically require a secured digital signature using a service such as DocuSign or Adobe Sign. Microsoft Word documents can now contain electronic signature lines, too.

Make an email that you send expire

Gmail has a great feature that lets you put controls on a sent email.

Confidential Mode lets you set expiration dates on an email. After that date, when the person opens the email, only a “Message has expired” notice appears.

On your desktop, open Gmail and click Compose. On the bottom row of the Compose window, there is an icon showing a lock with a small clock face. Here, you can set when the email expires. Recipients won’t have

the option to forward, copy, print, or download the email. You can also make the recipient get a text message with a passcode too. Go ahead, live out your James Bond dreams.

Make phone calls from your computer

It’s tough living far from people you love, but telephones make that distance much more manageable. Roaming and long-distance charges and using up tons of your allowed minutes can make phone calls expensive.

But if you make a phone call using your computer’s Wi-Fi, those extra costs vanish. You can even make international calls and save a ton! Learn how to make calls from your computer and keep your long-distance loved ones close.

With a desktop computer, microphones aren’t usually built-in at all, so you’ll need the headset or earbuds to be heard on calls. The headset and buds can also help you hear better on calls than using computer speakers.

With a unidirectional noise-canceling microphone, this mic only picks up sound from a specific side or direction of the microphone.

Once you have this equipment, it’s time to decide on software. If you have a Mac computer, FaceTime will let you make calls over Wi-Fi, and it comes free with your device. You just need to have your computer and iPhone connected to each other.

If you have a Windows computer, Skype and Google Voice aregreat app/ software choices, along with Keku.

All are free to download, and likeFaceTime, allow free Wi-Fi to WiFi calling. As in, if you call another computer, it’s free.

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 LY 5, 2020

H E A LT H

Herd immunity: How does it occur and when is it reached?

I

nfectious diseases can strike at any time. Some of them cause relatively minor interruptions to daily life and often can resolve of their own accord when the body’s immune system mounts a successful defense.

Other diseases can cause serious, even life-threatening symptoms or spread rapidly, which makes it essential for medical professionals to help slow down or stop the transmission.

What is herd immunity?

Herd immunity is a term that often arises in relation to infectious diseases. Herd immunity has taken on renewed significance as the world has been battling COVID-19, the novel coronavirus introduced in late 2019.

Herd immunity — sometimes called “community immunity,” “population immunity” or “social immunity” — refers to the indirect protection from infectious diseases that occurs when a large percentage of the population has become immune

to that disease. If enough people are resistant to the cause of a disease, whether it is a bacteria or virus, that disease has nowhere to go and the spread stalls, according to WebMD.

How does herd immunity occur?

There are two ways that herd immunity can occur. The first is when resistance develops naturally when the body is exposed to the virus or bacteria. At this point, the immune system will produce antibodies to fight off the infection.

After recovery, these antibodies are still circulating, and should exposure to the same disease occur again, the body can defend against another infection.

Another way that herd immunity occurs is through vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that when the majority of people are vaccinated, it creates the same disease lockdown — fewer people get sick and fewer germs are

able to spread from person to person.

What’s more, even those who are not vaccinated, such as newborn babies or those who may not be able to get vaccinated due to chronic illnesses, will get some level of protection because the disease will not be spreading as readily within their communities.

When is herd immunity reached?

When enough of a population is immune to a pathogen, it prevents further spread and herd immunity is apparent. Diseases are different and herd immunity is reached based on the pathogen’s reproduction number, or R0.

Essentially this boils down to how contagious is the pathogen in question. WebMD says the R0 tells the average number of people that a single person with the virus can infect if those people aren’t already immune.

The higher the R0, the greater number of people will need to be re-

sistant to reach herd immunity.

Measles, which is very contagious at an R0 of 12 to 18, requires 93 to 95% of the population to be immune for herd immunity to be reached. The World Health Organization estimates the R0 for COVID-19 to be between 2 and 3.

This means between 40 and 70% of the population will need to be immune to halt the spread.

In the case of COVID-19, it’s still unclear whether anyone can get reinfected, and whether antibodies produced for one strain can fend off another strain of this novel coronavirus.

This reinfection mystery is what makes herd immunity — both through a vaccine or through natural exposure — challenging for epidemiologists in relation to COVID-19.

Herd immunity is an important factor in disease prevention. Getting the facts about this phenomenon is important. (MC)

J U LY 5, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

SENIORLIVING

Protect yourself from Medicare fraud

R

estrictions implemented to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 have saved untold numbers of lives. The world has adjusted to such restrictions, and many parts of the world have relaxed measures as case numbers have declined.

As communities begin returning to some semblance of normalcy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned people against letting their guard down.

While many of those warnings pertain to the importance of continuing to practice social distancing as economies reopen, advisories also include notices about fraud schemes related to COVID-19.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General has advised the general public about scams involving Medicare fraud. Such schemes are targeting Medicare beneficiaries in an assortment of ways, including through text messages, social media, telemarketing calls and even doorto-door visits.

When perpetrating such frauds, scammers seek beneficiaries’ personal information, which they then use to fraudulently bill federal health care programs, potentially leaving their victims on the hook for costly unapproved tests related to COVID-19.

The CDC notes the importance of being aware of such schemes.

Awareness can help consumers avoid being victimized by scammers, and the following are some additional measures people can take to protect themselves from COVID-19-related fraud.

Do not share personal account information

Scammers need their victims’ personal information to perpetrate their fraudulent schemes. The CDC cautions beneficiaries to be suspicious of unsolicited requests for their Medicare or Medicaid numbers.

Do not take callers or visitors at face value Unsolicited callers or visitors

Use caution when giving out personal Medicare information. And, never respond to links in emails or text messages without carefully checking from where the request is originating.

requesting Medicare or Medicaid information should be met with extreme caution. Be suspicious of any unexpected calls or visitors offering COVID-19 tests or supplies. Compromised personal information may be used in other fraud schemes.

Never click on links in emails or text messages

Do not respond to, or open hyperlinks in, text messages or emails about COVID-19 from unknown individuals.

Ignore offers or advertisements for COVID-19 testing or treatments on social media sites. Offers or ads for testing are one of the ways scammers are accessing personal information.

Only a physician or other trusted healthcare provider should assess your condition and approve any requests for COVID-19 testing.

The COVID-19 outbreak has made it easy for criminals to exploit consumers concerned about their health.

Consumers who suspect COVID-19 fraud can contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or visit Justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm to file a complaint.

(MC)

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12 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 5, 2020

FOOD

W

hile eating healthy and enjoying sweets seldom go hand-in-hand, choosing the right combination of nutritious ingredients can allow for guilt-free indulgences that shirks conventional dieting wisdom. In fact, some eating plans take it a step further by actually encouraging eating big in the evening when you’re naturally hungriest to help achieve your weight loss goals.

For example, “Always Eat After 7 PM,” written by Joel Marion, CISSN, NSCA-CPT, debunks popular diet myths and offers an easy-to-follow diet that accelerates fat-burning and allows you to indulge in your most intense cravings by eating the majority of your calories at night. The outlined plan features a 14-day “acceleration phase” designed for rapid results, a “main phase” when you’ll learn which fat-burning foods to eat to achieve your weight loss goals and a “lifestyle phase” to keep the weight off for good.

Conventional wisdom dictates that it’s best to avoid carbs, eat an early dinner and never eat immediately before bed. However, Marion debunks the myths underlying traditional dieting with a simple, highly effective weight loss program allowing readers to enjoy social dinners without restriction, satisfy nighttime hunger with fat-burning sweet and salty pre-bedtime snacks and indulge cravings with strategically timed cheat meals.

With straightforward food lists, easy-to-follow meal plans and recipes for each phase, this can be a simpler, more enjoyable way to lose weight without feeling restricted. Taken directly from the book, these recipes for Cherry Garcia Ice Cream and Fruit Tarts can satisfy that sweet tooth before heading to bed.

Learn more about the diet and book at joelmarion. com. (Family Features)

Cherry Garcia Ice Cream

Recipe courtesy of “Always Eat After 7 PM” Prep time: 10 minutes Servings: 4 1/4 cup fresh Bing cherries, pitted and halved 1/4 cup stevia-sweetened dark chocolate bar, chopped 3 overripe frozen bananas, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk 1 pinch sea salt Chill cherries and dark chocolate.

In food processor, pulse frozen bananas, milk and salt until smooth, creamy consistency of soft serve is achieved. Stir in cherries and chocolate. Serve immediately or place in freezer-safe container and freeze until serving.

Fruit Tarts

Recipe courtesy of “Always Eat After 7 PM” Prep time: 40 minutes Cook time: 1 hour, 20 minutes Servings: 20

Custard: 8 1 1 3 1 1/4

egg yolks cup raw honey tablespoon coconut flour cans (13 2/3 ounces each) full-fat coconut milk teaspoon vanilla extract teaspoon lemon zest

Sugar Cookie Crust: 1/2 1/2 1 1 1 1/4 3 1⁄2 1 1⁄4 2

cup coconut oil, plus additional for greasing cup palm shortening cup coconut palm sugar teaspoon baking soda teaspoon cream of tartar teaspoon salt egg yolks teaspoon vanilla extract cup blanched almond flour cup coconut flour tablespoons arrowroot starch

Toppings: 2 1 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1

kiwis, peeled and sliced mango, peeled, pitted and sliced into 1/2-inch strips cup raspberries cup blackberries cup blueberries cup red grapes cup strawberries, thinly sliced fresh mint leaves, for garnish

To make custard In saucepan, whisk egg yolks and honey until smooth. Mix in coconut flour.

In medium saucepan over medium heat, combine

coconut milk, vanilla extract and lemon zest; bring to boil then remove from heat.

Pour hot milk mixture into egg yolk mixture, stirring while pouring. Over low heat, simmer 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and let cool, continuing to stir occasionally. Once cooled to room temperature, pour into individual custard cups. Chill in refrigerator 30 minutes, or until serving.

To make crust Heat oven to 350 F. Line bottom of pie pan with parchment paper and grease with coconut oil.

In large mixing bowl using electric mixer on high, beat coconut oil and palm shortening 30 seconds. Add coconut palm sugar, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt; beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla until combined. Beat in almond flour, coconut flour and starch. Chill dough in refrigerator 15 minutes.

Press chilled cookie dough into bottom of pie pan and 2 inches up sides. Bake 12 minutes, or until crust is golden and browned on top and edges.

Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes. Place cooled crust in refrigerator 30 minutes or overnight before assembling.

To assemble fruit tarts Spread custard over chilled crust. Decorate top in circular pattern with kiwis, mango strips, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, grapes and strawberries.

Before serving, chill at least 30 minutes or freeze 1 hour to help keep toppings in place.

Remove from freezer and set out at room temperature 20 minutes before slicing. Garnish with mint leaves.

J U LY 5, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 13

nd e k e e W

HOME

home improvement

H

ome improvement projects ramp up when the weather warms up, as homeowners channel the rejuvenating feelings of spring and tackle their home to-do lists.

Large-scale renovations can greatly affect a home, but smaller projects can yield impressive results and be completed over the course of a single weekend.

If time is of the essence, these weekend or one-day projects may satisfy homeowners’ desires to fix up their homes.

Create an accent wall Painting a focal wall in a home can create a serious impact. The bonus is it will not take as long or require as many materials as painting an entire room. Accent walls frequently feature a bold color, so decide on placement and tackle this project in less than a day.

Install stair runners Dress up hardwood stairs with decorative carpet runners. Runners come in elongated pieces of carpeting or individual pieces that can be placed on each step. If carpeting doesn’t fit with the home’s design, painting individual stair treads also can create visual appeal.

Dress up the entryway An entryway is a guest’s first impression of a home.

Many entryways can use a minor overhaul, both inside and outside. Paint the front door a different color so it pops from the curb.

Install a new mailbox or decorative house numbers A new welcome mat can change the look as well. Inside, consider laying a new floor. Resilient vinyl tiles come in many different patterns and can mimic the look of wood,

projects

travertine or marble. Installing a floor can take a day or two.

Install a new faucet Instantly improve a kitchen or a bathroom with new fixtures. New faucets can provide aesthetic appeal and low-flow faucets can help conserve water.

Create a gallery on the staircase Gather and arrange framed photos, artwork or wall accents so that they ascend the wall of a staircase. This creates a designer touch and can dress up an often barren area of wall space.

Install a fresh light fixture Improve drab spaces with a little illumination. Better Homes & Gardens suggests replacing an existing fixture with something new and vibrant. If hanging a new fixture is not within one’s skill set, free-standing table or floor lamps also can cast a new glow on a space.

Add molding Molding can add instant aesthetic appeal to a room.

Molding is appropriate near the floor, at the top of walls where they meet the ceiling, or even mid-wall as a chair rail. Some homeowners like to create framed molding on walls in formal living spaces.

Update kitchen or bathroom hardware Replacing hardware is a fast and easy project, but one that can have immediate impact. Swap out tired or outdated hardware for newer brushed metals and more impactful shapes and designs.

Home renovations do not need to take weeks or months. Many projects can be completed over the course of a weekend. (MC)

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14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 5, 2020

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

Acclaimed and long-awaited ‘Hamilton’ debuts

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Hamilton’

(out of five)

Rated PG-13. Running time: 109 min-

utes.

“So much of what Hamilton is about is how history remembers and how that changes over time.”

— Lin-Manuel Miranda in the introduction to the filmed version of “Hamilton.”

T

he brilliance translates beautifully.

It would be impossible for “Hamilton” the movie to replicate the experience of seeing one of the greatest of all musicals in a live theatrical setting, but the filmed version of the Broadway sensation makes for immersive, exhilarating, magnificent cinema, almost sure to thrill first-time viewers as well as diehard fanatics who have seen the stage production once or twice or a dozen times.

A little backstage info before we dive into the material itself. Per The New York Times, “Hamilton” the film was shot over a three-day period in June 2016, just before creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda and other key performers were to depart the cast. Thomas Kail, who directed the stage production as well as this movie, placed some 100 microphones and installed nine cameras in the Richard Rodgers Theater, seven of which were hidden by drapes.

The movie we see comes across as a seamless, real-time capture of a single show, but it actually encapsulates two separate performances, as well as some sequences that were shot sans audience, with cameras onstage to capture closeups and overhead shots. The technical wizardry is sensational, as is the lush and vibrant sound, the lighting and production design. A great-looking Broadway play has become a great-looking movie.

“Hamilton” was originally scheduled for an Oct. 15, 2021, theatrical release, but last month it was announced it would be streamed on Disney+ starting on July 3. (The timing is even more bittersweet but apt, given it was announced on Monday the Broadway shutdown will extend through the end of this year.)

After brief, Zoom-like comments from Miranda and Kail, we’re taken inside the

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Phillipa Soo in “Hamilton.” PHOTOS COURTESY IMDB Richard Rodgers Theater, and soon Leslie Odom Jr.’s Aaron Burr is singing:

“How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a “Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten “Spot in the Caribbean by Providence, impoverished, in squalor “Grow up to be a hero and a scholar?”

And off we go on a rousing historical adventure about the life and times of one Alexander Hamilton (Miranda), a great mind and fierce warrior for freedom and social justice who always assumes he’s the “smartest in the room,” and is probably right, though as Burr eventually cautions, that hubris “may be your doom.”

Not that anything will stop the young and greatly ambitious Hamilton, who will not throw away his shot and sings:

“A colony that runs independently “Meanwhile, Britain keeps s-----on us endlessly “Essentially, they tax us relentlessly “Then King George turns around, runs a spending spree “He ain’t never gonna set his descendants free “So there will be a revolution in this century ...”

Even with a running time of 2 hours, 41 minutes, “Hamilton” is a meticulously streamlined vehicle, never stalling or taking unnecessary detours. With director

of photography Declan Quinn providing angles that make us feel as if we’re in the balcony, then slightly off to the side, then behind the performers, occasionally even overhead, we can see every sweat bead on the actors’ faces as they perform physically demanding song-and-dance numbers while wearing vibrant but surely heavy period-piece costumes.

One of the coolest features of the production is a spinning circle of wood in the center of the stage, with a separate circle around THAT circle. The timing of the actors (most of whom had performed their roles hundreds of times by the time the cameras were brought in) is perfect as they maneuver in and out of the rotating circles (which are used sparingly so as not to overdo the technique) and even move set furniture around as they segue from one number to the next.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose amazing mind is responsible for this timeless classic, is transcendent as the title character — but his performance is no less impressive than a half-dozen others, including Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr; Daveed Diggs in a dual role as the heroic French freedom fighter Lafayette and the preening Thomas Jefferson, portrayed as a political opportunist and narcissistic dandy who schemes against Hamilton; Phillipa Soo as Hamilton’s loyal and long-suffering wife, Eliza; Renee Elise Goldsberry as Eliza’s sister, Angelica, who sets aside her own love for Alexander so her sister can be happy; and as comic relief, Jonathan Groff as King George III, who scoffs at those revolutionary Americans as well as his own troops from across the pond.

It feels as if every other number in “Hamilton” is a show-stopper, from the fa-

mous “My Shot” to “The Story of Tonight” to “Helpless” (a showcase for the angelic and powerful female voices in the cast) to “Ten Duel Commandments” to the heartbreaking and glorious finale, “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story.” Touching on everything from blind ambition to sacrificing oneself for a greater cause to political scandals to the lessons of history, “Hamilton” is a revolutionary masterwork about a great revolution.

Minireviews

‘Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga’

W

PG-13, 123 minutes ill Ferrell and Rachel McAdams star as an Icelandic singing duo determined to win the famous European music competition. This is an incredibly goofy, broad satire filled with wonderfully awful pop songs and infectiously over-the-top, all-in performances.

‘The 11th Green’ Not rated. 109 minutes.

I

f you ingest a marijuana edible now and then, a perfect time to do so would be just before watching this trippy and mind-bending deadpan indie gem involving aliens, time travel, a conspiracy-minded journalist (Campbell Scott), Dwight Eisenhower and a modern-day president resembling Barack Obama.

Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun Times

J U LY 5, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

Four easy steps to a chemical-free backyard

W

ith people spending more time in their backyards, parents are wondering how to create healthier lawns for their families.

You might be surprised to learn that exposure to many pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers can be harmful, particularly for growing children. This is why flags are posted after a yard is treated — they are warnings to keep children and pets away from dangerous chemical exposure.

Chemicals found in pesticides and other lawn products have been linked to asthma, organ damage and cancer, as well as neurological diseases and behavioral problems, according to the National Institutes of Health. The safest approach for everyone, and the environment, is to go organic.

Stonyfield Organic yogurt cares about where cows graze. In 2018, Stonyfield Organic yogurt extended

Organically maintained lawns Having a chemical-free, healthy lawn is not difficult if you follow practical, proven organic lawn management techniques.

Follow these steps from Stonyfield Organic to transform your yard into a healthier environment for everybody.

2. Test your soil Most people apply lawn products without first determining what the soil actually needs. Testing helps you discover the right balance, so your soil won’t be too acidic or too alkaline.

Many universities provide soil testing services at reasonable prices.

Check your nearest university’s website for details.

Or turn soil testing into a fun family project. All you need is red cabbage, distilled water and the directions at Stonyfield.com/playfree/change-yourown-backyard.

1. Stop using pesticides Because of the harm that can be caused by pesticides, it’s best to simply stop using them. If you have nuisance insects in your yard, there are natural approaches to curbing them.

Pesticides kill both harmful and beneficial bugs, so you miss out on the benefits many “good” insects provide.

3. Switch to organic fertilizers Synthetic fertilizers are manufactured with fossil fuels and are saltbased. They directly feed plants, and can harm your soil. Organic fertilizers feed the life in your soil, and the soil in turn will feed your grass or plants.

4. Use effective organic lawn care tactics

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To achieve a lush lawn without chemicals, it helps to understand what grass needs to grow its best.

Feed your soil nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients that will help your grass grow. But don’t feed without testing — the soil test will determine if your grass is getting what it needs from the soil.

Mow high as short grass is considered stressed grass. Most grass grows best at around three inches. This allows your grass to efficiently produce its own food, develop deep roots and withstand drought conditions.

Overseed by spreading a layer of grass seeds across your existing yard to help grow a green and lush lawn.

Following these approaches can make your lawn beautiful as well as safer for your entire family.

For more helpful organic backyard gardening tips, visit Stonyfield.com/ PlayFree. (BPT)

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16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 5, 2020

BUSINESS

Four creative ways to drive website traffic

C

onsistent website traffic is an essential building block for a successful online business. While paid ads and search engine optimization are valuable strategies, there are some lesser known, but equally effective, ways to attract potential customers to your website or funnel.

Successful entrepreneurs can be powerful resources for business owners who are eager to build their businesses online. For example, entrepreneur Russell Brunson started his first online company while he was in college. Today, he is the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a successful software company that helps entrepreneurs get their message out to the digital marketplace quickly and efficiently.

Brunson is also the author of a series of books, including “Traffic Secrets,” which is filled with tips for using classic and foundational direct marketing techniques to help future customers discover an entrepreneur’s product or service and drive demand.

Give your business website a traffic boost with Brunson’s advice, adapted from “Traffic Secrets,” the third installment in his bestselling trilogy.

Identify your target audience

In his book, Brunson provides an action plan for narrowing your focus on potential customers and the influencers they trust. Pinpointing a group he calls “Your Dream 100” illuminates where your ideal audiences like to gather information, whether it’s video channels, podcasts, blogs or other platforms. Once you have a list of these places, reach out to the people behind the scenes and pitch collaborative opportunities that allow you to put your products in front of your target audience.

Understand the importance of lists

Building a list of customers means you can contact them or promote a product to them at any time.

Brunson equates an email list to an advertising platform that’s free to use and packed with ideal customers. Direct site visitors into compelling sales funnels where you can collect their information and add them to your lists so you can entice future visits.

Push a steady flow of new ads

When people see the same image over and over, they tune it out. You don’t need the perfect ad; you just need different ads on a regular basis that connect with different people and keep your brand unique and interesting.

Master social media

Driving traffic through social media is challenging. To succeed, you need to understand the goal of the platform, develop a strategy that aligns with that goal and understand how the platform wants to promote content to its users.

“If you are selling anything online, or trying to generate leads online, no matter what industry you’re in, these 20 traffic secrets can help attract more eyeballs,” Brunson said. “I’d like to help you

© GETTY IMAGES

fill your website and funnels with your dream customers, so I’m going to give you my new book for

free. Just visit grabtrafficsecrets.com.” (Family Features)

Use social media to foster connections

S

ocial distancing has compromised the financial health of many small businesses.

Accustomed to daily, in-person interactions with their customers, many small business owners have had to look for other ways to connect with consumers.

Social media can be a great way for businesses to maintain a connection with their customers, even while social distancing. Businesses unaccustomed to using social media may need some help when trying to connect with customers, while even social media savvy establishments may need to recognize that the uniqueness of this situation calls for an equally unique approach to social media.

The following are some ways small businesses can employ social media to stay connected with their customers while social distancing.

Set an appropriate tone A little levity can go a long way while social distancing, but it’s important that small businesses remain cognizant of the current situation when posting to social media.

Too many jokes may be interpreted as tone deafness. A funny anecdote can do the trick, but don’t go too far. By the end of April, more than 200,000 people had lost their lives to COVID-19, and some customers may have lost loved ones or had the virus themselves. Businesses must keep that in mind when posting to social media.

Tailor your interactions and efforts to your au-

dience Employ analytics tools to determine who engages with your brand on which platform, then use that analysis when designing your message.

For example, older customers may not interact on Twitter, but they might read your emails. You can use that knowledge to focus your emails on issues older customers may have, like the safety measures you’re taking or, if your business has been allowed to keep its doors open, any new policies you’ve instituted to keep older customers safe.

Be gracious when posting Social media can be used to promote your business, but it’s also a great way to express gratitude to customers and show you support them as much as you want them to support you. Thank customers and wish them health and happiness in each post.

Support community efforts Social media also can be used to spread the word about community efforts, such as food drives for families of laid off or furloughed workers, community blood drives and collective efforts to express support for first responders and medical personnel. Promoting such efforts via social media shows customers that your business recognizes its place in the community and the important role in can play in giving back during this time of great need.

Social media can help small businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak maintain connections with their customers and communities while social distancing.

J U LY 5, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Welcome a new baby with personalized wearable art

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Editor

I

s there soon to be a new baby in the house? As the new member joins the family, the household may feel as if it’s been turned upside down. But if you keep older children involved, they’ll be part of the transition right along with you.

Here’s an activity for including older siblings in welcoming that newborn. Just sit down together and decorate baby’s first one-piece cotton outfits. You’ll be dressing the baby with creative pizzazz, and the siblings will be proud of being part of it all.

Here’s the basic inexpensive stuff you’ll need for one outfit: • Prewashed, solid-color or white 100% cotton baby one-piece style outfit with snaps, or you may use a newborn-size cotton T-shirt • Wax paper or cardboard • Cookie cutters • Fabric paints in squeeze bottles • Paper plate • Small foam paintbrushes or sponges clipped to clothespins • Pencil with eraser Here’s the fun: 1. Lay the one-piece outfit or T-shirt on a work surface. Place a piece of cardboard or wax paper between the two layers of fabric to protect the reverse side from any paint that may soak through. Choose a cookie cutter for a stencil. A star, moon, heart, duckling! Anything goes.

Place it anywhere on the fabric.

2. Pour a little permanent fabric paint onto a paper plate. Dip in the small foam paintbrush. Holding the cookie cutter firmly, start dab, dab-dabbing inside it, making sure to reach all the edges. You don’t have to put equal density of paint all over the shape. A little variation actually adds interest. When you’re through, lift the cookie cutter up to see the beautiful design. Now it’s time for a few details.

3. Dunk the eraser end of the pencil in a little paint. It can be the same color you used for the cookie-cutter shape or a completely different one. Then stamp it along the neck or sleeves for a fun, whimsical border.

4. Add a few final details with the fabric squeeze bottles. You might want to write “Wee One” on the heart. Or, write the baby’s name and date of birth. When baby wears it, take a photo to use for clever birth announcements.

5. Once the paint is dry, remove the

cardboard or wax paper, and if the paint bottles say to do so, now is the time to iron on the reverse side to set the color.

You’re done! Dress the baby in the wearable art, and notice the joy of an older sibling who is feeling just grand.

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.

18 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 5, 2020

K I D S & FA M I LY

Enjoy a virtual ‘visit’ of a museum this summer

I

f you are looking for new things to this summer do while staying home or social distancing, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian has you covered.

The museum has lots of free content available for both adults and kids, including digital learning tools for students of all ages and online versions of many of its most popular exhibitions. Access to this content is through the museum’s website: AmericanIndian.si.edu.

For students

Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°) is the museum’s national education initiative to inspire and promote improvement of teaching and learning about American Indians. NK360° provides educational materials and teacher training that incorporate Native narratives, more comprehensive histories and accurate information to enlighten and inform teaching and learning about Native America. The initiative’s website has digital lessons for K-12 students, teacher guides,

videos and websites. Several lessons are also available in Spanish.

Online exhibitions

Many of the museum’s most popular exhibitions are available to explore online. “Americans“ shows how American Indians have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began. Visitors can click on some familiar images and learn why images of American Indians are everywhere in our country.

The bilingual exhibition “The Great Inka Road: Engineering an Empire” examines why the Inka Road was built more than 500 years ago, and how its construction—without the use of metal or iron, the wheel or stock animals to pull heavy loads— stands as one of the greatest engineering feats.

The exhibition “Infinity of Nations:

Art and History in the Collections of the National Museum of the American Indian,” which features some 700 works of Native art from throughout North, Central and South America, demonstrates the breadth of the museum’s collection and highlights the historic importance of many of these iconic objects.

“Developing Stories: Native Photographers in the Field“ is the museum’s newest exhibition. It features the work of two Native photojournalists who are using photography to break down stereotypes and portray stories that show the diversity and complexity of their contemporary lives.

Explore the collections

Through its online search, visitors to the museum’s website can learn more about the history of the museum’s holdings, which have their

foundation in the collection largely assembled by George Gustav Heye, beginning in 1897. The collection currently contains more than 800,000 items from across the entire Western Hemisphere. And for more from the collections, visit the museum’s new Google Arts & Culture website.

Blog

For in-depth stories about objects in the museum’s collection, insights into new exhibitions, or news from Indian Country, visit the museum’s page on the Smithsonian Voices blog.

Shop

The museum’s online store offers an array of books for adults and kids, cards, CDs and DVDs. The best part?

Your purchase helps to continue the museum’s important work.

You can also get more content from the museum by following it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks to great online exhibitions, educational materials, and yes, even shopping, you can spend this summer “visiting” an amazing museum from wherever you are. (Statepoint)

It’s time to get more kids biking, helping others

F

or kids, biking is one of the gateways to growing up.

Popular films and TV hits such as “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “Stranger Things” highlight the joy a bike can bring as a fun way to explore or spend time kicking around the neighborhood. Yet, according to a study from the Outdoor Industry Association, bike riding among kids declined 19% between 2007 and 2019.

With the weather getting warmer, there are plenty of good reasons for anyone to get outside and ride a bike.

Especially during this time of social distancing, bike riding offers the perfect opportunity to shake off cabin fever and safely enjoy the fresh air.

Benefits of bike riding

For tweens and teens in particular, there are many benefits of owning and riding a bike, including: • It gets kids outside away from screens to enjoy fresh air and vitamin D-giving sunshine.

• It promotes cardiovascular health.

• It builds muscles, while improving balance and coordination.

• It improves mental health by helping to reduce anxiety or stress.

• It is good for the environment, offering an emissions-free mode of transportation.

• It helps build self-confidence and relationships with others who like cycling too.

Help for foster kids

Unfortunately, not every kid has the opportunity to enjoy the many positive aspects of bike riding. Children in foster care, tweens and teens in particular, don’t always have access to a bike, so they aren’t able to experience this important milestone of growing up.

To help address this issue, Honeycomb cereal is donating $50,000 to

Together We Rise, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping improve the lives of youth in foster care. The donation will provide 600 bicycles to tweens and teens in foster care nationwide, helping them to build their confidence and experience the many physical and emotional benefits that having a bike brings.

Bikes have been part of Honeycomb’s history since the 1970s, featured in its advertising and promotions. Kids growing up in the ‘70s and ‘80s fondly remember collecting Honeycomb bike-sized state license plates, which were given away free inside cereal boxes each year. Honeycomb’s latest “Always Be Big” spot features a bicycle with a nostalgic nod to the past.

Now is the perfect time to get your kids biking and consider helping foster kids do the same. For more information about the Together We Rise Bikes for Foster Children program or how to sponsor a bike for kids who need one, visit TogetherWeRise.org.

(BPT)

J U LY 5, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

How to save your face one exercise at a time

H

undreds of billions of dollars are spent each year on anti-aging and anti-wrinkling treatments in an effort to improve one’s appearance and mask potential signs of aging.

Zion Market Research says the global anti-aging market was valued at $140.3 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $216.52 billion in 2021. Although medical procedures and products sold at drug stores and by cosmetics retailers have their benefits, exercise also may provide some benefits, especially as it pertains to one’s face and appearance. Just as it is possible to tone the body, one also can tone the muscles in the face to improve his or her appearance.

Brands like Face Yoga and FaceXer-

cise promote facial exercises that reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines without the need for more invasive procedures. Proponents of Face Yoga, which is a series of exercises performed most days of the week for about 20 minutes a day, say it will tone underlying muscles and help improve blood circulation. Fans attest that the movements also may encourage the production of collagen, which is the protein that keeps skin elastic and gives it its plump feeling.

The face contains 57 muscles that can be worked gently to see results.

A new Northwestern Medicine study published in JAMA Dermatology is the first scientific study to test the premise of facial exercise and its effects on appearance. The study found that a daily or alternate-day

Eyebrow health and maintenance

E

yes may be windows into a person’s soul, but the eyebrows frame the eyes, help express feelings and add shape to the face. Eyebrows also can be subtle indicators of a person’s health.

Caring for eyebrows is a part of any woman’s beauty and health regimen. According to the television personality Dr. Mehmet Oz, the shape and look of eyebrows can determine a lot about someone’s health. For example, Dr. Oz says that thinning eyebrows can be an indication of a nutrient deficiency.

Thinning also may be a natural side effect of aging, since eyebrows grow more slowly than other body hair.

Women who are missing the outer portion of their eyebrow — not due to over-plucking — may find that thyroid issues are to blame, according to the health editors at Good Housekeeping. If eyebrows remain thin after dietary changes

and more moderate grooming habits have been tried, women should consult with their physicians.

Although trends pertaining to eyebrows now lean toward fuller, more natural looking brows, hair removal is still popular. Tweezing brows is one of the safest methods to groom eyebrows. Tweezing also offers the most control over how much hair is removed at one time.

As with all brow-grooming methods, certain side effects can result from tweezing. Ingrown hairs, infections from open pores that let in bacteria and follicle damage may result from tweezing, according to the resource Smart Health Advice.

Healthy diets, safe grooming techniques and watching for changes can keep eyebrows healthy and beautiful. Women should consult their physicians if or when they are experiencing problems with their eyebrows. (MC)

30-minute facial exercise program sustained over 20 weeks improved the facial appearance of middle-aged women, resulting in a younger appearance with fuller upper and lower cheeks. The idea is that building muscle volume can counter the effects of age-related fat thinning and skin loosening in the face.

Some people are skeptical of facial exercise, while others emphasize caution in regard to which exercises are

BEAUTY

chosen. Some dermatologists warn that pulling the face in the wrong directions through exercise actually may speed up the process of wrinkling and premature aging, making face exercises a trend to avoid.

People who are currently on the fence may want to focus on movements that will strengthen facial muscles. Doris Day, M.D., author of the book “Skinfluence,” says to try a facial movement where you look like you’re going to laugh or smile but don’t actually follow through. This raises eyebrows and targets those muscles and the ones by the ears that pull the skin back. Adopting a neutral face at rest is helpful as it helps prevent wrinkled brow and lines from frowning.

The jury is still out as to the efficacy of facial exercise for wrinkle reduction. Combining facial stretching with a healthy diet and use of sunscreen and resolving to stay hydrated might help reduce the appearance of aging. (MC)

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20 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 5, 2020

R E A L E S TAT E

Buying a home may be more affordable now

A

t a time when the strength of the U.S. economy and personal finance is on most renters’ minds, low down payment mortgage options are more appealing than ever. With mortgage interest rates being at historic lows, it is possible to qualify for a home loan while keeping a rainy day fund.

Private mortgage insurance (MI) has been around for decades and helped over 1.3 million homebuyers last year. It is a temporary cost that allows for a down payment as small as 3% of the purchase price. While some borrowers wait until they save 20% for a down payment, the added years of saving can translate to higher interest rates and more expensive home prices.

“Renters who are on the hunt to buy should do the math and consider what is best for them, because many times they will find that buying with a low down payment insured mortgage is in their best interest. It may enable them to attain homeownership sooner than they otherwise could, which helps them take advantage of historic low rates and keep some of their savings intact,” said Lindsey Johnson, president of U.S. Mortgage Insurers.

If you are one of these renters looking to buy

The U.S. Mortgage Insurers group recommends you look at the numbers. Now may be the time to buy a home and save money.

your first home but don’t have 20% down, don’t worry, you are not alone. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median down payment in 2019 was 6% for first-time buyers.

It is true you can qualify for a conventional mortgage with a down payment as small as 3% of the purchase price. In today’s market, it could take a family earning the national median income up to 21 years to save 20%, according to calculations by USMI. How can buying now save you money later?

Consider you want to purchase a $275,000 home.

When you account for closing costs (about 3% of the sales price), a 5% down payment is $13,750 versus $63,250 in cash for 20% down. With a 740 credit score at today’s MI rates, your monthly MI payment would be about $115, which is added to your monthly mortgage payment until the MI can be cancelled. MI typically cancels after five years.

With home price appreciation, today’s $275,000 home will likely cost more in the years ahead. This will also have an impact on the necessary down payment and length of time required to save for it.

There are other variables in the equation too, such as interest rates. As interest rates rise, so too will the cost of mortgage financing.

Not all MI is the same. Importantly, so-called “FHA Loans” are government-backed loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration versus a private insurer. These mortgages require a slightly higher down payment, the insurance is permanent, and the monthly premiums generally cannot be cancelled.

Make sure you do the math. There are many online mortgage calculators that can help. Check out lowdownpaymentfacts.org to learn more.

(BPT)

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J U LY 5, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1

Five ways to help prevent losing your pet

D

espite the sadness, uncertainty and disruption to millions of people’s lives, the novel coronavirus COVID-19 has provided some silver linings.

One such positive side effect of people being asked to spend more time at home is the opportunity for individuals and families to open their abodes to needy animals.

Pet adoptions have increased as people have found more personal time to devote to companion animals.

The Pet Health Network says that people experiencing loneliness from being apart from others often turn to pets to help them feel better.

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue in Virginia brought in 149 animals from high-kill shelters in March 2020 and adopted 134 in a single week, matching the agency’s monthly average.

Data on New York City animal shelters indicates that, as of early May 2020, 43.5% of shelters were experiencing an increased demand for adoption since the COVID-19 outbreak.

As pet adoptions increase, new pet parents are urged to remember to take every precaution to keep their companions safe and secure.

The summer months can be a prime time for pets to become lost.

Increased thunderstorms as well as fireworks displays can frighten pets.

Also, more time spent outdoors may make it easier for “escape artists”

to find their way out of backyards or get free from leashes. Thankfully, there are some steps pet owners can take to keep pets safe.

ID and collar

Pets should wear collars with attached identification at all times. This should include an up-to-date contact number. ID tags can be made at pet supply stores or are available at the Animal Humane Society facilities.

Microchip

Microchips are small devices that are implanted under the pet’s skin.

About the size of a grain of rice, microchips emit a low radio frequency that can be read by a handheld scanner.

Virtually all vet offices and animal shelters are equipped with scanners.

Microchips are designed to last the pet’s lifetime, according to HomeAgain, a microchip company. Once the pet is registered, the chip will link to a record of owner information that can be updated easily online.

Sterilization

AHS says studies show that pets that have been spayed or neutered are less likely to roam for mates and potentially get lost.

Pet-proof

Homeowners may have to make adjustments to their yards and homes to ensure pets cannot escape.

Some dogs and cats can climb over tall fences or dig underneath. Speak with your veterinarian about how to

COVID-19 and pets

A

s of late-March 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did not see any reason to believe that animals, including pets, might be a source of infection for the COVID-19 virus.

In addition, at that time the CDC had not received any reports of pets or other animals getting sick with the virus in the United States.

While it’s unlikely that pets or other animals would pass the COVID-19 virus to humans, it’s important to

PETS

note that animals can spread diseases to people, which only emphasizes the importance of practicing healthy habits around pets and other animals.

Washing hands after handling or being around animals or their waste, food or supplies is one simple preventive measure that can safeguard humans from diseases transmitted by pets.

Properly cleaning up after animals is another simple way to reduce the risk of diseases being transmitted by pets. (MC)

pet-proof your property.

Leash pets

Prey instinct can be high and even the most well-behaved pets may act differently when away from home. A

secure collar/harness and leash will help keep pets safe on walks.

New pet parents should familiarize themselves with the steps to help prevent lost pets. (MC)

22 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

SOLUTIONS

PUZZLES

J U LY 5, 2020

CROSSWORD TIME

J U LY 5, 2020

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 2 3

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

What About Law Enforcement?

What a great/pleasant headline! “Law enforcement support.” But why the lower case? It should have been UPPER case and ENLARGED letters! It is about time law enforcement received a positive note of recognition.

I think law-abiding citizens of this community, for the most part, stay out of the nonsense that has been going on, and I think it’s understandable, but it has gone too far. What happened to George Floyd was sick, but there are still two sides to every story. Do I believe that Black lives matter? Yes, I most certainly do! But so does our police force matter, and they are not receiving the support they should, either.

And their assignments are rarely pleasant or fun. No more for them than the public they serve. But they are there, and I’m grateful for them.

And while we’re at it, there is the latest whining about (Councilman) Bob Kellar. His critics had to go back 10 years to find something they could criticize.

TEN YEARS! It’s pathetic! He has been one of the best representatives this valley has ever had. He has been responsible and responsive when needed, and also one of the most pleasant and courteous of our local leadership. I am not personally acquainted with Kellar. But I have been to meetings when he was responding to one thing or another. I have admired the calm and pleasant way he conducts himself, and the incidences he has been involved with. I am sorry to have him retire, but I think he truly deserves it.

Best of wishes to you, Bob. VaNile Risser Canyon Country

Garcia Demonstrates Leadership Our Rep. Mike Garcia campaigned on the slogan, “Constitution, Capitalism, Competition and Charity.” Thank you, Rep. Garcia, for demonstrating your beliefs and supporting your words with actions. In this case it is your commitment to donating 10% of your salary each month to a charity or nonprofit organization in the 25th District that you represent.

You are a leader and you show us that voters made the right choice.

Frank Arenson Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

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

Dealing with Our Differences

By David Hegg

U

nless you’ve been sleeping under a rock somewhere, you’re acutely aware we are becoming an increasingly touchy society. It seems the new national sport is overreaction to issues that, while not unworthy of discussion, are certainly not worthy of vitriolic outbursts and mean-spirited acts of violence.

We’ve become a society whose surface is so sunburned any little touch sets us off. And unless we can rediscover a bedrock principle necessary to the health of any pluralistic society, we will certainly devolve further and further into a polarized, hatefilled nation.

We need to rediscover tolerance, as properly defined. Too many today have taken the word “tolerance,” emptied it of its historical meaning, and poured in their own definition: If you disagree with my view you are intolerant and need to be silenced or worse! For these folks, to tolerate means agreement and acceptance. To disagree and oppose it, to be intolerant Ultimately, this wrong-headed view of tolerance demands that all differences be eliminated, and everyone forced to believe the majority view. This reimagined definition rules out any consideration that minority opinions have a place in society. Ultimately, those who have co-opted tolerance for their own purposes are arguing for totalitarianism, and they don’t even know it. They simply can’t tolerate intolerance as they define it.

Most movements today asserting their right to participate in the public square of ideas were once minority opinions whose adherents demanded that their opponents at least tolerate their position. And by tolerate they meant put up with, not agree with.

They recognized they were swimming upstream against the current of culture and held that their being different should not be a reason for either persecution or expulsion. What they desired was tolerance, as it has always been understood. They didn’t expect everyone around them to change their opinions. They simply wanted the freedom to express theirs without recrimination.

That’s what tolerance really means. To tolerate presupposes a difference of opinion. To tolerate means to put up with those with whom we radically disagree. It never has meant to agree with them … until now. And frankly, it’s killing us.

As a pluralistic nation it is absolutely essential that we understand and practice the true meaning

of tolerance. If we expect to remain a nation that hangs together despite our differences, we must not become so sunburned on the surface that bumping into those with whom we differ causes us to forget who we are at the core.

America is the grand democratic experiment, built on the premise that all are created equal. But if we redefine equality to mean we all must have the same opinions, we’re on the way to being a totalitarian state where some get to determine what equal means for the rest of us. And that won’t be America.

So, for example, if you want to, you can believe that sex is not a fact but a preference, or that melanin actually determines one’s human value, if you want to be so foolish. But don’t expect those of us who disagree to remain quiet about what we believe.

We must at least agree that neither of us has the right to curtail someone’s business through hate campaigns or force someone to go against their strongly held religious beliefs, or destroy another’s property, or treat any fellow member of the human race with anything less than respect, kindness, justice and neighborly love.

We may not agree, but we must tolerate one another. We can argue vociferously, but we must stop short of inflicting harm. Why? Because at the core we are all human beings, made to reflect the character of our loving and holy God. Ultimately, we have the most important thing in common: personhood. And what’s more, we’re also Americans, and we’re in this together.

On this Independence Day we do well to remember Benjamin Franklin’s cogent exhortation as he and a few courageous men considered the task of severing the colonies from bondage to the British crown. He said “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.”

And while the consequence of division today is not death by hanging, you get the idea.

Yes, we have differences that need to be rationally discussed, with solutions being reached creatively and mutually. If we allow our differences to divide us, we’ll see our nation erode before our very eyes.

In fact, we’re seeing that now and only the anarchists are applauding.

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

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