We are now counting down to Valentine’s Day, and, with just four days to go, Signal Tribune readers also need to remember to participate in the Sweetheart Sweepstakes. The promotion started last week and runs again in this week’s paper on pages 6 and 7. Last week we featured the list of what I consider to be pretty darn fabulous prize packages. This week we have added a grand prize courtesy of Corks Away and Naples Rib Company. The Found Theatre also came through with tickets for four lucky couples to their upcoming performances. We certainly enjoy everyone’s generosity! Winners will be announced in next week’s issue.
Those of us who need help in choosing just the right present for our valentines will surely find the list below helpful. My beautiful Aunt Jeraldine is a world-renowned astrology expert (as well as the author of the book The Love Boats, which inspired the television series The Love Boat) and has gifted us with an exclusive– her opinion of what gifts are best suited for each zodiac sign. Enjoy!

Best Love Gifts for Each Zodiac Sign
by Jeraldine Saunders

Aries They are inviting, attractive, passionate and impulsive. This regal sign calls for something for the head: a cap, hat or hair accessory.

Taurus They are lusty and discriminating, and they have a great capacity for love. They will enjoy gift cards for massages or scarves for their beautiful necks.

Gemini This is a sign that is warm, affectionate and always on the go. Their key to love is mental satisfaction, which means giving up the half of their twin that is constantly analytical… then the romantic feelings flourish. Love for them can be a glorious happening when they give their motor-like minds a rest. So give them a nice pen, a diary or an iPhone for their gift of gab and sharing of joy.

Cancer Cherishing and affection are all a partner could ask for. They are warm, giving, responding to the touch of love. The way to a man’s heart is through the stomach. So wine and dine him. Cook for him. The cancer woman wants security. Give her spices or a nicely wrapped basket of food. They treasure anything for their homes, and they are romantic and imaginative where affection is concerned.

Leo They need love, for their food is affection. They are attractive, passionate, warm, and generous in desire to please their loved ones. A gift of theatre tickets for a good drama or framed photo of their family is just the ticket! They give their all when it comes to love.

Virgo Where love is concerned they tie it up with their minds, with thought, imagination, ideas and ideals. They are not only gaining pleasure with their love, they provide it to their partners who must be all-knowing and kind to them. Virgos obtain satisfaction where others just dream. Their joys are not merely illusions, they are goals. Give them books, finely milled bathing soaps or a gift card to a health food market.

Libra The word “together” means more to them than to others. It is what they want most. Curling up by the fireplace and cuddling is heavenly for them. They may want candy, but give them a heart-shaped box of assorted unsalted nuts instead; costume or real jewelry is also a good choice. They are good-looking and bring peace with their elegant ways.

Scorpio Love and sex to them is related to delicious privacy of intimate moments. They are intense in work and in love and are concerned with the welfare of others. For Valentine’s Day, give them a romantic CD to play, hopefully while you are there, a mystery novel or provocative lingerie.

Sagittarius Their passions are ardent. They are active, dynamic and fun and have a sense of humor about romance. Their creative drives are strong and idealistic when it comes to love. They cannot abide a narrow-minded partner. They are conservative and love freedom. Their world revolves around being loved. Take them to a Valentine’s Day picnic outdoors, horseback riding or sports event. They are enthusiastic and giving.

Capricorn Their needs are basic as well as complex. They are ambitious yet patient because they feel they have a link with destiny. They want to capture wisdom and they want permanency. They are sensuous and more than a match for anyone in the love and romance area. Their earthiness may want you to go climbing with them. Remember, to them, life without love becomes a routine, a duty; with love there is life and it is worth living. You can give them a tree, plant or of course, money!

Aquarius Their grand mentality can contain all the emotions of the heart, and they are faithful in their love. Give them a sweater, something for their computer and bring music into their Valentine’s Day dinner.

Pisces For Pisces, love is all engulfing and private. Quite the opposite of sensationalism. They do not boast. Love to them is giving, and also the receiving and assurance of security. It is romantic and imaginative. Their “mysticism” is very attracting. Give them cologne, perfume, poetry or dinner near a lake or ocean. Oh, how they love Valentine’s Day!

Nutella spread, featuring L.A. Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant

Neena Strichart
Publisher

Last week I filled my column with little bits of information that I wanted to share with our readers. One topic I chose was my newfound love for the hazelnut-chocolate spread called Nutella.
When I arrived at Donato’s (my hairdresser’s place of business) Saturday morning, my stylist, Leah, couldn’t wait to tell me about her sister’s Nutella experience. I laughed myself into tears as she shared the story with me. I promised Leah I would do my best to retell it to our readers with the same fervor as she relayed it to me, but do keep in mind that I have embellished the story just a bit to aid in the retelling. Also, I have changed the names of the characters and refer to the sister and the sister’s daughter henceforth as Donna and Peaches, to not only protect their identities but to keep Leah from getting in trouble with her family.
As the story goes, Donna’s adult daughter Peaches came for an extended visit and decided while her mother was at work to tidy up the house and clean out the refrigerator. Tossing out old jars of this and that and wiping up various spills and whatnot, Peaches was quite proud of the job she’d done. She was sure her mother would be both surprised and delighted by the act of daughterly love. Much to poor Peaches chagrin (and Donna’s ire), that’s not at all what happened.

Arriving home after a long day at work, Donna entered and found her daughter bubbling over with enthusiasm. Peaches excitedly directed her mom into the kitchen, just sure that Donna would endow her with praises galore. Instead of the expected kudos, once Donna opened the refrigerator with the now sparkling shelves, she let out with a high-pitched screech that no doubt attracted a multitude of neighboring dogs. Gasping for breath, Donna then bellowed in disbelief, “Where is my Kobe Bryant Nutella?!” Not understanding the negative reaction, poor Peaches replied calmly, “I threw it away– it was expired.” Donna screamed “Well, go find it!”
Seeing the rage in her mother’s eyes, she was afraid to tell her that the garbage truck had already come and taken away the discarded items. Retreating slowly from her mother, Peaches tried to explain that the jar was indeed gone forever. As Donna heard the news she yelled and screamed and paced the kitchen like a caged tigress– a tigress without her Nutella.
Apparently Donna is a big fan of basketball star Kobe Bryant, and also of Nutella; so, when a label featuring the likeness of dear Kobe appeared on a jar of the yummy spread, Donna decided to buy it and hold on to it forevermore as a souvenir. In her mind, keeping it in the refrigerator unopened would help it retain its value…and allow for a daily glimpse at one of her favorite celebrities! She knew full well that it was expired– but certainly did not intend to eat it anyway.
Explaining this in frank language to Peaches, Donna found her daughter seriously concerned about the health implications of keeping an expired jar of Nutella, refrigerated or not. With fingers of fury, Donna dialed the headquarters of the Nutella company and reached a representative on the phone. Explaining quite graphically what happened, the Nutella spokeswoman assured Donna that an unopened jar of Nutella should not be considered dangerous and then suggested that Donna tell Peaches in no uncertain terms to “back away from the Nutella!”

What is the moral of the story? If you give your child a fruity name, payback can be the pits!

Here’s another edition of what I like to call “So, What’s New?”
Mother got a Kindle for Christmas. It looks as if they are going to get along nicely, that is as long as I can keep it loaded up fast enough for her. She is a voracious reader. More about Mom and her Kindle soon.

Loving hazelnuts and chocolate as much as I do, I find it strange that I had never tried Nutella before yesterday morning. Wow! It is so yummy– especially spread on warm gluten-free waffles. I picked up a small jar of the Nutella at Fresh & Easy, along with waffles and two containers of soup: split pea with ham, and baked potato. Thanks to my pal Barbie for telling me about the soup. So good!

Looks as if Shell and Sheldon Grossman are planning something special for the 35th anniversary of their Bixby Knolls Car Wash and Detail Center. The event will take place sometime in the summer. If it’s anything like the last anniversary party they hosted, it will be amazing!

The City of Signal Hill is hosting a design presentation of the conceptual plan for the new library at a special park and recreation commission meeting. The presentation will take place Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 6pm at the City Council Chambers 2175 Cherry Ave. According information supplied by the City, there is no need to RSVP, and childcare for children 3 years and older will be provided. If you have any questions, give a call to the Community Services Department at (562) 989-7330.

Mom reported lots of construction activity in a building directly across from her abode at Bixby Knolls Towers (3700 block of Atlantic Ave). With curiosity getting the best of me, I just had to stop by and check it out. According to the construction supervisor, it looks as if a rather large dermatology clinic will be located at the site. Hmmmm. Wonder if they will be able to do anything to bring out more of my “natural beauty?” Hey, no smart-aleck remarks– I mean the dermatology clinic– not the construction company!

Sweetheart Sweepstakes fans can start gearing up for the two-week run of our 17th annual special section. We already have lots of prizes and surprises, and we are looking forward to publishing the sweepstakes details Feb. 3 and 10. With only room for 24 participating retailers, spaces are going quickly. If you own a business in our distribution area and would like to sponsor a drop-off location for entry blanks and/or would like to donate a prize or two, please give us a call at (562) 595-7900.

Neen, I really enjoyed your column today. Judd McIlvain once did me a huge (and very impressive, I thought) favor…
It must have been 1992 or 1993, and I’d fallen in the kitchen of my Carson Street apartment in Bixby Knolls. I had been standing on a step stool trying to take the curtain down from over the kitchen sink. The bar was stuck and, in my infinite impatience, I tugged at it…hard. When it gave way, I went flying off the step stool and onto the floor, landing on the side of my knee. I’ll never forget the excruciating pain. I thought I’d broken my leg in a hundred places. When the paramedics arrived, they were training seven– yes, seven– of the hunkiest firemen you’ve ever seen. But I digress…
So, after Long Beach Memorial had addressed what turned out to be a severe knee sprain, fixing me up with a cast and crutches, I made the appropriate claim to my medical insurance through Kaiser Permanente. Months later, Kaiser had been experiencing various labor strikes and was taking forever to process my claim. In the meantime, I had been receiving bills from the ambulance company and Long Beach Memorial. Finally, I began to receive letters threatening to take my account to collections. Well, given that I am just a tad compulsive about debt acquisition and bill paying, having never missed a bill payment of any kind, and, in fact, having never even made a late payment, this lack of timely attention to my claim was rather upsetting to me.
In a concerted effort to save my 800+ FICO score without resorting to paying the bills myself, I decided to dispense with the hitherto ineffective weekly calls to Kaiser claims processing and take more aggressive action. I called the famous TV consumer advocate Judd McIlvain to see if his reputation for helping out the “little guy” was deserved.
About a half hour after calling Judd’s office, I received a call from Kaiser claims processing. The apparently shell-shocked woman on the phone anxiously assured me that the claim had been fully paid. She then earnestly beseeched me to call her directly if I should ever experience another claims problem in the future and begged me not to complain about Kaiser to Mr. McIlvain ever again.

With time and money running short for holiday gift shopping, lots of folks are frantically looking for not the perfect gift, but any gift! I ask that you stop and think a moment before buying just any old thing to wrap and stick under the Christmas tree.
Last year my mother made it quite clear that she didn’t want any more “stuff.” No bath beads for her– she doesn’t own a tub– and please no perfume, she has all the Shalimar she’ll ever need. No note card or stationery– she has drawers of letter writing material– no magazines, shawls, slippers or candy. Don’t send figurines, DVDs, CDs or Christmas decorations either.
With so many limitations imposed, we had to get creative. In the end we made her a promise of car washes and gas fill-ups so she wouldn’t have to do it herself. She loved our gift! Of course, my hubby Steve was the one who actually made the gift happen. He was the one who made arrangements with mom to pick up the car and take it for a gassing and washing as needed. Unfortunately for Mom, as the months wore on we slacked off. This year we have better plans– but I can’t share them with our readers yet. We still need to keep it a secret from dear Mother.
For those of you who are wondering what to give an older loved one, consider the gift of service. Whether you perform the service yourself or purchase a gift card/certificate for a massage, hair salon visit, pedicure, or pet grooming or housekeeping appointment, you are sure to bring a smile to the recipient. I know that my mom also appreciates gift cards to her favorite stores, which for her means Macy’s, Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.
None of my suggestions strike your fancy so far? How about the gift of postage stamps, a grocery gift certificate, or better yet, buy a brick at Signal Hill’s Hilltop Park with your loved one’s name emblazoned on it for all to see! Call (562) 989-7330 for details.
When all is said and done, all that matters is that we give the gift of love. And for me, I ask that we all remember the reason for the season– the faith we all share, no matter what religion. Happy Holidays to all our loyal readers and advertisers. We love you all.

Last holiday season I wrote a poem based on our experiences as an entry in the Daisy Lane Parade. I’ve decided to revise it a bit to update it for this year’s parade, which was held last Saturday evening…

‘Twas parade night on Daisy and all through the lane
the weather was mild, so no need to refrain.
The entries were lined up for hours on end
waiting for their turns to march down the bend.
The children were shouting “Merry Christmas” to all
it was clear they were having a holiday ball.
Some folks were all bundled as they stood or they sat
with blankets and gloves and most wearing a hat
Politicians were waving from convertibles bright
as the evening progressed to a beautiful night.
The horses were prancing as bands walked in tune
with crowds waving madly with lights or balloons.
On Segways the staff rode controlling each entry
proceeding with caution and acting as gentry.
The grownups and children all smiling with glee
so happy that to see this­– not just on TV.
As the schools, groups and others put on a great show
with dancing and music, the spirit did grow.
The dogs from group Bark did give out free books
to each child and got back several “thanks” and sweet looks.
The police cars rode down flashing lights with great pride
as cheerleaders strutted with flags by their side.
The Port folks were present with nautical float
with lights strung with care on a rather large boat.
The Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts were walking in line
as Girl Scouts and Brownies kept up just in time.
It all seemed like magic, adding fuel to the fire
with bulbs on the houses just higher and higher.
Each home on the lane was all decked to the hilt
with trees, deer and Santas– decorations they built.
Some houses were gilded with signs of good cheer
one even reminded, “let your doggie drink here.”
A waystation set for our four-legged friends
the kindness, it seemed, would not ever end.
There were others who rode in the lane late that eve
Judd McIlvain, and sure my cute husband Steve.
From Bixby Blair showed up and was all decked out
with Knolls Ranger’s girlfriend and a laugh and a shout.

The folks in charge this year worked hard– I can tell
on details they stressed over each bow and bell.
Such organization deserves our attention
as each of those helping sure faced lots of tension.
As the evening continued they stood shoulder to shoulder
so glad that the weather wasn’t getting much colder.
When parade time was fading– all were waiting to hear
their favorite man calling from a sleigh with reindeer.
They finally heard “Ho Ho Ho” without pause
that’s right– it was him– big as life, Santa Claus.
Although they expected a much different ride
St. Nick came by fire truck without reindeer to guide.
He wished all the kiddies a year full of cheer
we sure hope he will come back again for next year!

Me with Signal Hill Mayor Larry Forester and Steve at the City of Signal Hill’s inaugural Volunteer & Sponsorship Awards and Recognition Banquet

It seems that our holiday calendar is quite full this year with various events and festivities. With both of us healthy and in high spirits, we are accepting most invitations. So far, we haven’t faced much in the way of double bookings. This past Tuesday evening, Steve and I we were invited to attend the City of Signal Hill’s inaugural Volunteer & Sponsorship Awards and Recognition Banquet. We were tickled to be asked since we love our volunteer status with our not-so-little city.
During the event, Mayor Larry Forester welcomed volunteers and sponsors and expressed thanks to all for their support of the Signal Hill community and to celebrate a year of accomplishments. A Powerpoint presentation of photos from various events emphasized the importance of the volunteers. The images taken during the year were both humorous and poignant, and it was an honor to have our photos up there on the big screen.  
As he spoke, the mayor highlighted the programs and events provided by the City’s Community Services Department and called attention to the enrichment those activites bring to residents. Larry went on to say, “From the library to the parks to the playgrounds to the amphitheater, we make every effort to ensure that every resident of Signal Hill has an opportunity to enjoy the things that make life a bit fuller…such as after-school programs, story times, meal programs, music concerts, sports and much more.” His words brought a thunderous round of applause and a collective nod of heads from all in attendance.
Community Services staff prepared a pasta dinner with all the fixings to express their appreciation to the volunteers. As dessert was served, Community Services Manager Aly Mancini gave her thanks to the sponsors and volunteers by saying, “All of us in the Community Services Department feel very lucky; no matter how hard we work or creative we are at finding ways to make life for our residents better, we still need each and every one of you to make the rubber meet the road. It is the incredible amount of time and resources that you all dedicate that allow us to provide the highest quality of parks, recreation and library services to the children, adults, seniors and families that are lucky to live in this fantastic city. So tonight we give you this small token of our appreciation for all you have given us.”
Looking down at the program on the table, I noticed that, according to the timeline, awards were going to be given in several categories. I went and poured myself a cup of coffee and waited for the awards to be announced. At that point I was mad at myself for not bringing a camera. Huh– some publisher I am! Nevertheless, the first award announced by the mayor and Aly was that for Outstanding Youth Volunteer. Taking home the honor was Jasmine Simpson. “Jazzy” seems to help out at every event that I attend– and some that I miss as well. No wonder she was chosen. I’ve watched her grow from a pretty little girl into a lovely young lady. I was so glad she was recognized.
From there, the rest of the program is rather a blur because Steve and I were totally shocked to be named Community Volunteers of the Year. Going up to the podium to accept our award and pose for the traditional photo with the mayor seemed like a dream. We were totally caught off guard. What a terrific surprise! The other awards given were to the Associated Radio Amateurs of Long Beach as the Valued Volunteer Organization of the Year, and the award for the Celebrated Business Sponsor went to the folks at Mesa Environmental Services, Inc.
The evening came to a close, and I was presented with a lovely bouquet of flowers. We quickly called my mother, told her of our big honor and made arrangements to bring the flowers to her. As a past city treasurer, and a former decades-long resident of Signal Hill, she certainly put in her time volunteering for the city. It was so nice to share the honor with her.

In memory of my grandmother:
A Thanksgiving to be
Thankful For

To tell you the truth, I have always had a hard time putting all my grandmother’s good traits into writing. No matter how hard I try, I can never do justice to what she overcame in her lifetime. She was born in Sonora, Mexico, on Sept. 6, 1911. Emelina Flores served her life as a great-great-grandmother, great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, sister, and friend. I was blessed to be a grandson of Emelina Flores. She always had a smile on her face and more patience then I have ever known anyone to have. My grandmother was known both as a trailblazer and a saint. She was considered a trailblazer because of her work with the poor and her constant giving to those who were less fortunate and a saint after having the privilege and honor to meet Mother Teresa in 1994.

We shared a lot of things together, and she was one of my favorite mentors. I can remember the last activity we did together, which was to watch a movie. If you knew my grandmother, she really loved to watch classic movies. Although we never agreed on what to watch, I always enjoyed our times together. She’d always ask odd questions about the actors or about the story. And I’d just laugh at her, and she’d keep on asking until I gave her the answer she wanted.

As a mother, she would always make sure her husband and children were fed first and whatever was leftover she would eat. It was Grandma’s loving nature to always put everyone’s needs before her own. I can still see her standing away from the table, beside the stove, watchfully making sure everyone had enough food. My favorite remembrance of her is in her long apron that went over her head like a collar and extended the length of her dress.

Although she never said it aloud, I think in her own way she was able to show us how important we all were to her. While I may no longer see her, I know I will always have these special moments that I shared with her. She will always have a place in my heart. I’m just thankful that I knew a special lady like my grandmother.

Emelina Sanchez Flores passed peacefully on October 30, 2011 at her home in Whittier at the age of 100. Days after her death, I wrote a poem in memory of my grandmother. These are my words through her…..

When I am gone,
Release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears;
Be happy we had so many years.
I give you my love,
You can only guess how much you gave to
me in happiness.
I thank you for the love
You have shown me;
But now it’s time I travel alone.
So grieve a while for me,
If grieve you must.
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a while that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away for life goes on.
So if you need me,
Call me and I will be near.
And if you listen with your heart,
You’ll hear
All my love around you,
Soft and clear.
And when you must come this way along,
I’ll greet you with a smile,
And “Welcome Home.”

I know that as I write this, I can still feel her listening with me, comforting me, and living in me. This is the one true memory that she has to cherish, until we meet again.

Mom, Marjorie Grommé, being interviewed by Twain Elementary Principal Ellen Ryan

Mom and I have known for a couple of weeks that she was going to be doing a little speaking engagement Nov. 10 at Mark Twain Elementary School’s Veterans Day event. The topic of discussion was to be her experiences as a “Rosie the Riveter,” and, to illustrate her subject, she planned to bring a copy of a World War II-era poster for which she and her co-workers had posed as an advertisement for her then employer Westinghouse.
Figuring she would be speaking for just a few minutes, she did take a few notes from which to read but, otherwise, really did very little preparation for, as she put it, her “little speech.”
Well, were we both surprised when we arrived at the school and found dozens of chairs assembled with hundreds of parents, students, teachers, and active and retired military personnel in attendance, as well as quite a few members of the press. When we asked where she should sit, she was shown to the stage and informed that she was to be the keynote speaker! Holy mackerel– neither one of us realized that what we thought was a little Veterans Day program was actually a very BIG annual Veterans Day program that would include songs, bagpipes, poetry, awards, refreshments and, of course, Marjorie Grommé as the keynote speaker.
I sat in the audience and watched Cub Scout Pack #23 present the colors, heard students sing songs representing the six branches of the military and listened to two girls read an essay and a poem. We were also favored with a few words from Mr. Braden Phillips, the Long Beach Police Department Bureau Chief. I could hardly contain myself knowing that Mom would be speaking at any moment.
She was finally introduced and escorted to a chair at the front of the stage and was seated next to the school’s principal, Ms. Ellen Ryan. Most graciously, Ms. Ryan asked Mom about her time as a Rosie and encouraged her to tell about “the best part and the worst part” of the job. Declaring some of the worse parts as having to give up aluminum cookware in order to donate it to the war efforts and farm women having to work in the fields because of a shortage of men, Mom concentrated more on the telling of what she considers to be the good parts: working afternoon shifts that allowed her to go out dancing after work, and the acceptance of women wearing pants in public. The crowd seemed taken with her remarks and really laughed out loud when she commented with a giggle: “I wish I would have known then what I know now.” Since she’s 92 years of age, with a wealth of knowledge, I’d bet that’s true.
All in all, it was a fabulous program, and I am so proud to have been there to see my mom on stage addressing such an enthusiastic audience.