Kids & Family

Turn old crayons into an art project

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer If broken and worn-down crayons are showing up in drawers, backpacks, art-supply tubs and even the car, don’t throw them out! Instead, collect them

Brighten your home, sweep away the winter blahs

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer Except for stray pine needles hiding between sofa cushions and underneath area rugs, our holiday decor with all its warm scents, glitter and glow

SCV teens keeping up the acts of kindness

The coronavirus crisis intensified the challenges many faced before the pandemic, but the challenges also spurred several initiatives that helped bring the community together.  Perhaps most encouraging, many of those

Sunny-side up snowflakes

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer Put “Snowflakes Sunny-Side Up” on your breakfast menu and the nutritious surprise will brighten even the darkest of wintry mornings.  Made with colorful slices

Transform photo cards into game for toddlers

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer Turn holiday photo cards into a matching game for toddlers and preschoolers. They’ll enjoy playtime trying to pair up the faces and settings in

A best friend and the champion contender

Sharlena Sarmast’s true affinity for horses began to show through when she was a little girl. “It’s the funniest thing: I’d take her to those pony rides at the pumpkin

Flip into the new year with Swedish pancakes

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer As traditional recipes poured out of family cookbooks over the holidays, I went on a quest for the “best” Swedish pancake recipe from my

Butternut squash makes a hearty soup for winter

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer Here’s a rich-tasting, family-friendly recipe of hearty butternut squash soup that you simply won’t want to pass up. No need to precook the fresh

A few places to enjoy the slopes this winter

Like most things this year, winter break is sure to look a bit different as COVID-19 remains at the forefront of everyone’s minds, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get

The SCV begins celebration of Hanukkah

By Michele Lutes Signal Staff Writer Candles will begin to be lit on Thursday evening around the world to celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah from Dec. 10-17, continuing a

Don’t think potato latkes are just for Hanukkah

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer “When the calendar turns to December, we’re a blended family as far as holiday traditions go,” said professional caterer and mom, Carole Blumenberg Garrigos.

Turkey salad made from Thanksgiving Day leftovers

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer Hosting the Thanksgiving feast usually means a variety of leftovers tucked away in the refrigerator for building piled-high sandwiches. If you’re ambitious, you might

Stepping up to support his brother

Saugus resident Wyatt Leiby, 19, and his family have known since the day he was born that one day, he’d need a kidney transplant.  “Once they (delivered) me, the cord

Dine-in and to-go Turkey Day options in SCV

With the coronavirus pandemic still at the forefront of everyone’s minds, it’s guaranteed that Thanksgiving will look a bit different this year. This year, as public health officials urge people

Kid-made place cards enliven holiday table

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer Thanksgiving Day and the “here before you know it” December holiday season are approaching. The weeks of celebration are all about giving, sharing and