I am hoping we've seen the last of the Station Fire and its dreadful smoky skies and ash fall. Don't forget to get your car washed, ash isn't great for your paint job!

Kudos to Claudia Sheridan
The California Junior Chamber (California Jaycees) held its annual election convention, recently in Oxnard. The 2009 California state board of directors elected Claudia Sheridan as the 82nd State President. Her term in office began immediately and she is already helping to advance the California Junior Chamber by increasing membership and improving morale. Prior to her presidential election, she served as the 2009 Executive Vice President for the Santa Clarita Valley Junior Chamber (SCV Jaycees). In addition to the election of the 82nd State President, two other SCV Jaycees were appointed to the 2009 State Board of Directors under Claudia Sheridan's direction. Debbie Holbrook, 2009 State Director for the SCV Jaycees, was appointed as the Chief of Staff and Kristin Hampton, 2009 SCV Jaycees Treasurer, was appointed as the State Treasurer. For more information, check out: www.scvjaycees.com

Leaders, leaders everywhere
It seems that the Santa Clarita Valley is fertile ground for leaders. Cheri Fleming currently serves as the 2008-2010 Camino Real Region governor of Soroptimist, an international volunteer organization for business and professional women. Fleming oversees nearly 30 clubs in the region, including the two SCV clubs, Soroptimist International of SCV and Soroptimist International of Greater SCV. Dianne Curtis is president-elect of Zonta International. Zonta International is a global organization of women executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. Nearly 33,000 members belong to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 67 countries. Curtis will take the office of Zonta International President in July 2010 at the 2010 Zonta International Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

Seen at Boys & Girls Club wine tasting
Carl and Terry Kanowsky recently hosted a marvelous night of fine wine and fabulous hors d'oeuvres on the patio at Salt Creek Grille. Among those spotted supporting the Boys & Girls Club of the SCV were Dianne Van Hook, Anna Ott, Diane Stuart, Randy Moburg and Mitzi Like, Chris and Jeanne Carpenter, Robert and Annie Schwartz, John and Janice Hoskinson, Marian and Richard Sandnes, Morris Thomas, John and Karen Mahaffey, Anna Frutoz-Sanchez and Robert Sanchez, Julie Solwold, Jim Ventress and Greg Amsler.

Heart of the West
One of my favorite events each year is Heart of the West to benefit Carousel Ranch. The work done at Carousel Ranch is nothing short of miraculous. Among those seen at the annual fundraiser: Alan B. Buckelew, CEO of Princess Cruises, the new title sponsor of Heart of the West and his family, Dianne and Wayne Crawford, Jeanna and Kyle Crawford, Jay Thomas, Barbara Myler and Todd Napora, TimBen and Ingrid Boydston, Rick Delia, Lila Littlejohn, John Dow, Paul De La Cerda and Seher Awan, Betty and Rick Fung, Shelley and Marshall Hann, Chris and Jane Fall and Patti Rasmussen.

Kudos to Heart of the West sponsors
Princess Cruises, The Blomgren Family, Vincent Hill Station, Santa Clarita Concrete Wayne and Dianne Crawford, Fishkin & Associates, Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Inside SCV, Mission Valley Bank, Paul Hughes Foundation, Valencia Acura, California United Bank, Intertex, Keyes Lexus, Valencia Noah's Friends, Brenda Frields, Friends of Happy Valley, The Gore Family, Gracie Salazar, Key Information Systems, MB2 Raceway, Westfield Construction, Sandy & Craig/REMAX, Debbie Bragdon, L/B/W Insurance & Earle Greenberg, PACC Auto, The Patt Family, Power Honda Valencia, Progressive Steps, Providence Holy Cross Hospital, SCV Rotary Club, Conco Pumping, The Signal, KHTS - AM 1220, SOS Entertainment. Special thanks to: Andy Gump, A Rental Connection, ACE Party Rentals, Aspect Lighting, Audio Tek, Curt Waite, Finery, Flower Power LA, Gary Choppe, Mike Bjorkman, Mission Valley Sanitation, Saunders Electric.