Community

It is difficult to fully realize the wonder and joy of Easter.  For a follower of Christ it means “life” itself.  It is God’s “Yes!” to all our questions, it is love offered as a sacrifice on our behalf, and victory over death itself attained.  We celebrate and follow a God whose very essence is concern and love for our wellbeing.  That is worth a celebration.

“How very good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
It is with great joy that we invite you to join us at Valencia United Methodist Church this Easter and in the days ahead!  We are a community of Christ-followers with a solid foundation, full of hope for tomorrow: a family of faith with a vision to be a place where lives are continuously transformed through Jesus Christ.

There has been a great deal of talk recently about the tough economic times pounding Southern California.  Some people have cancelled cable; others have converted into one-car families; many have been unable to pay their mortgages and have turned to local food banks to feed their families.  No one can deny that Americans are being challenged by such changes.  But some people in this world would be thankful if their struggles were anything like ours. 

Moms are the backbone of the family—the one everyone turns to when the going gets tough.  And if you’ve spent any time in the Santa Clarita Valley, then you know that moms here kick some serious butt.
So, where the heck are they on Election Day?  They’re trying to keep up with activities, feed their family, stretch a dollar further than ever, help with homework, and possibly even take five minutes to do something for themselves (you know, like hit the grocery store or get the car washed.)

Five Outstanding Preschool Teachers Who Exemplify Excellence in Early Childhood Education

Nominations are currently being accepted to recognize five outstanding educators who teach preschool in Los Angeles County, who will be honored for going above and beyond the call of duty to better prepare preschool students for elementary school and life.

Golfers in the Santa Clarita Valley can hone their golf swings while supporting the Castaic School District’s efforts to maintain high quality programs for students in the sixth Annual Golf Tournament at Robinson Ranch Golf Course on April 9, 2010.
“The donations received from last year’s golf tournament helped fund a new running track at North Lake Hills Elementary,” said Diane Fiero, president of the Castaic Union School District Education Foundation.  “The funds also allow us to grant teachers the needed resources for other educational projects.  Our annual tournament is a fun way for the community to help enhance the educational programs in the district’s four schools,” added Fiero.

Hart Park and Museum has planned a very special day of musical entertainment, children’s activities, and special tours to commemorate the release by the United States Postal Service on April 17, 2010 of four stamps entitled Cowboys of the Silver Screen.  The four legends of the West depicted on the stamps are William S. Hart, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and Tom Mix.

Twenty-five hard working volunteers of Santa Clarita have been nominated for the prestigious 2010 SCV Man and Woman of the Year Award.

Following the success of its Coat Drive in January, Saugus Swap Meet is holding a Canned Food Drive during the month of April.  According to the local food pantries, spring and summer are their hardest times.  Donations received during the holidays have been handed out to families in need and their cupboards are bare.  Therefore the Saugus Swap Meet is counting on the community’s generosity to ensure no one in the area will go hungry.

Providing a balanced overview and academic discussion about same sex marriage in California, the College of the Canyons scholarly presentation ‘Til Death Do Us Part: A Legal Perspective of Same Sex Marriage in the Golden State, will take place at 7 p.m., Wednesday April 21, on the main stage of the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) at COC.

The College of the Canyons Community Education program is teaming up with college instructors to provide opportunities for the community to take exciting classes and learn new skills without having to enroll in college. 
For example, the popular older adult aqua aerobics class can now be taken by simply paying the $49 registration fee.  The aqua aerobics class will be offered over four weeks starting July 6, 2010, and ending July 29, 2010.

The Santa Clarita Valley Education Foundation has been hosting a ceremony that honors outstanding teachers from each of our public schools.  April 22 will be the 26th year that we have celebrated excellence in education.  Our honorees have been selected by their peers for outstanding classroom instruction and for providing leadership in their schools.  Thus far, the SCV Education Foundation has celebrated with more than 1390 teachers.