On the Town

Local martial arts enthusiasts got an up-close-and-personal look at the world of Marital Arts during an exhibit presented by the Martial Arts History Museum’s at the Valencia Public Library on January 13.  Museum founder Michael Matsuda, a sixth generation Monkey Kung Fu Master, was on hand to discuss and showcase treasures from his soon-be-opened Martial Arts History Museum.

Mr. Stork had a heavier load then usual when twin baby buffalo were born to Bison No. 25 at William S. Hart Park in Newhall on December 11.  I paid a visit to the Park on December 18 when Friend’s of Hart Park board secretary, Sheila Miller, shared the good news.  Hart Park animal keeper, Dave Jello went all out for my afternoon visit when he let me take the reins of buffalo twin Merry, on her very first gallop out of the barn.  Jello had rescued Merry soon after the mother bison had rejected the rambunctious calf.

Grab your sunscreen, a hat for shade, sunglasses and a bathing suit and you are set for the time of your life cruising aboard a luxury ship past the French Riviera, the romantic seaside towns of Italy, and the great treasures of ancient Greece. Board the luxurious 50,000-ton, 940-guest six-star Crystal Symphony cruise ship, one of the most spacious cruise ships at sea.

Women Entrepreneurs of Santa Clarita Valley (WE of SCV) recently held the 2006 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award Luncheon. The award was developed to recognize the outstanding contributions that the members have made to the organization and to the Santa Clarita Valley.  Organization founder, Tera McHugh says, ”We have so many amazing women in our group and I really wanted to do something to honor them for all they contribute to the group and to our community”.

More than 75 people attended a record setting Valley Industrial Association monthly breakfast hosted by New Leaf Training & Development on January 12.  The monthly VIA In Action Breakfast was held at the New Leaf offices on Tourney Road in Valencia, where owners Paul Butler and Rachel Leonard extended their thanks to the Santa Clarita business community for welcoming them with open arms since their move from Europe. New Leaf recently partnered with College of the Canyons to offer half-day seminars through their Employee Training Institute.

Henry Mayo President and CEO Roger Seaver greeted the more than 25 people who attended donation presentations made by members of the community on December 8. Community members presented gifts totaling more than $120,000 to benefit the breast-imaging center.  “I would like to thank all of the people who have come forward after the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center was created to make sure the center continues to have the most-up-to-date equipment to provide early breast cancer detection.”

Freshman Assemblyman Cameron Smyth joined the ranks of 79 other legislators in Sacramento on December 4 during swearing-in-ceremonies that kicked off the 2006-2007 session of the California State Assembly. The halls and chambers of the State Capitol were packed as the Assembly members took their oaths of office in front of their families and friends in a ceremony that included an address from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
“It was quite an experience,” said Smyth upon returning to his home in Newhall during the legislative recess.

In memory of their father, Tom Veloz, a local philanthropist and business leader — whose generous giving continues to shape the progress of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital — sons Peter and David Veloz gathered on the front lawn of the valley’s non-profit community hospital to place a star atop the holiday tree. Tom Veloz served as honorary chair of the “Campaign for the Next Generation of Care,” for which he contributed $1 million to benefit the expansion of the Henry Mayo Emergency Department.

Holiday cheer rang loud and clear at the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce mixer held at the Madison on Town Center Drive.  The December 13 event provided business leaders and owners with a chance to network and mix and mingle while enjoying a sumptuous fare of appetizers and fine wines.  Lennar Homes Madison features a unique location, luxurious on-site amenities, like a movie theatre, gym, Internet cafe, and the accessibility to shopping dining and more for truly revolutionary urban living.

Girl Scout Troop #540 loves taking time out to help wherever they can.  The girls eagerly came together after school to assist the community at the Santa Clarita Toy Store.  The troop is currently working on their Silver Award.

A bustling of excitement filled the air of City Hall on December 11 as TimBen Boydston was appointed Santa Clarita’s new City councilman, filling the seat vacated by Assemblyman-elect Cameron Smyth. Boydston was elected in a 3-1 vote, with Councilwoman Laurene Weste casting the dissenting vote.

Under the direction of maestro Robert Lawson, The Santa Clarita Symphony performed their opening Masterpiece concert at College of the Canyons’ Performing Arts Center on November 11.   The talented group of 75 professional musicians, many who live locally and perform with many nationally recognized orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic wowed the audience with rich tones of strings, brass and woodwinds.

It was a warm and welcoming holiday celebration to remember at the William S. Hart Mansion in Old Town Newhall where the Saugus High School Choir performed a medley of classic Christmas songs to a gathering of cowboy-clad guests on December 9.  The concert was held in the living room of silent screen star William Surrey Hart whose life and career as a Western film star lives on in the halls and rooms of the mansion, which was decked with boughs of holly and plenty of Western style cheer.

Are you aware that the IRS allows you to make an unlimited number of small gifts each year, free of gift tax?  You can give up to $12,000 each to any number of people in 2007 and none of the gifts will be subject to gift tax. Under current law, you can make gifts to anyone.  This means that you can give to your children, grandchildren, friends,and even total strangers.

Assemblyman-elect Cameron Smyth was lauded for his outstanding service to the community at the City Council’s November 28 meeting — marking his last official meeting as a Santa Clarita city councilman.  As a special send-off to California’s new 38th District Assemblyman, city council members took their turn at praising Smyth for his accomplishments on behalf of the community.  Dignitaries and members of the community presented proclamations of thanks to Smyth, along with the key to the City. 

The Veterans’ Historical Plaza in Newhall was alive with the sound of music and memorable speeches on December 9. Organized by the Blue Star Moms and the Prayer Angeles the event honored soldiers fighting over seas.  On hand to address guests were newly elected California State Assemblyman, Cameron Smyth and outgoing Santa Clarita Mayor, Laurene Weste. The Color Guard from American Legion 507 presented the flags and Pastor Robert Cooper offered a prayer.

The four choirs at College of the Canyons sang to a packed theater on December 9 under the direction of Julie Lawson. The groups performed a fast-paced concert featuring such a wide variety of music that everyone’s musical tastes were completely satisfied.  Their closer, Joy to the World featuring all four choirs plus two incredible soloists, was an up-tempo gospel number, complete with rhythm section, from “the preacher’s wife.”

It was the best of times and the worst of times for Ebenezer Scrooge who got a spirited dose of Christmas past, present and future during the Canyon Theatre Guild’s smash hit production of  A Christmas Carol, The Musical which opened to rave reviews over Thanksgiving Day weekend.