On Saturday, November 10th, a walk was held to raise funds for ZOE. ZOE is an international Christian organization that provides safe homes to orphans and children in danger. This danger comes from a growing threat of human trafficking. Over 27 million people are being trafficked right now, and 1.8 million of them are children. ZOE has a home located in Thailand that houses more than 60 rescued children. Over 750 participants came out to walk and show their support. In addition to the walk, there was a silent auction. Bags and t-shirts were given to participants. The bags were made by people who were rescued from trafficking. Victims are making these bags as a means of learning to support themselves. The event was held at Newhall Park.
On Wednesday, November 7, the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra came to West Ranch High School. The concert was held for the benefit of the West Ranch High School Music Department. The Orchestra was directed by Nick Hilscher and the vocalist was Eileen Burns. The band played to a packed house. Prior to the main event, guests were treated to the musical stylings of the West Ranch Studio A Jazz Band. The Glen Miller Orchestra was formed in 1956 and has been playing ever since. Top hits include "In the Mood," "Moonlight Seranade," "Tuxedo Junction," "Chattanooga Choo-Choo" and "Pennsylvania 6-5000."
On Sunday, October 28th, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station hosted their 23rd Annual Haunted Jailhouse. Children of all ages were invited to come in costume and participate in a costume contest. There was a haunted house for braver, older guests and a kid-friendly interactive not so haunted house. Along with the haunted houses there were outside activities that everyone could enjoy. A dance group performed, there was a dunk-a-deputy game, a mini zip-line, and a couple of inflatable bounce houses.
On Saturday, October 27th, Santa Clarita joined in the national Make a Difference Day. Make a Difference Day is an event held across the country that encourages volunteers of all ages to come out and do their part. An early morning rally was held in the Valencia Hyatt parking lot before everyone dispersed and went to their assigned events. There were over 1500 volunteers. Some places that recieved much needed service were; the Placerita Nature Center, New Leash on Life, Carousel Ranch, Child & Family Center, Boys & Girls Club of SCV, the Gibbon Conservation Center, Help the Children, SCV Senior Center, and numerous schools throughout the SCV. Some of the tasks included; brush clearnce in fire break, tree trimming, painting, tree and shrub planting, weeding, table and window washing, interior repair to floors, and fence building.
On Saturday, October 27th, SCV Habitat for Heroes in partnership with Green Convergence installed solar panels on a local Saugus veteran's home. Green Convergence donated and installed new roofing and a sun power system on the home of local Iraq war veteran Joshua Murphy and his wife Windie. By placing solar panels the Murphy's will save money on their electric bills and will make their home more energy efficient. Read more here.
On Friday, October 19th, a small group of performers from Circus Vargas visited the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center. There were three performers; a juggler, a clown, and a hula-hooper. The juggler was only 16 years old and was able to juggle seven balls. Another performer was able to hula-hoop 23 hula-hoops. Circus Vargas advertises themselves as a circus with a touch of Broadway. This year they are putting on a new show, their most exciting ever.
On Saturday October 27, the Samuel Dixon Family Health Center hosted their 10th annual Gotta Regatta fundraiser. People were able to adopt a rubber duck and enter them in a race which was held for the first time at Bridgeport Park. Over 3,000 ducks were adopted and raced. The winner recieved a $2,500 gift certificate to Southwest Airlines. Along with the races, the City of Santa Clarita honored local Olympians of the recent London Olympics.
On August 4, Santa Clarita’s finalists for the Texaco Country Showdown Local Contest, Jessica Marie and Poor Man’s Poison performed at Concerts in the Park at Central Park. The Showdown is a chance for undiscovered singers and bands to share their musical talent locally, regionally, and even nationally. All contestants begin the competition at a participating local radio station – one of them being Santa Clarita’s hometown station, KHTS AM 1220. Interview With Jessica Marie and Poor Man's Poison.