Jay Thomas has a target on his back
The Santa Clarita Elks have placed a target on Six Flags Magic Mountain’s president Jay Thomas. Thomas, one of the SCV’s truly “good guys,” has agreed to be roasted at the Santa Clarita Elks Lodge in Canyon Country on Saturday, Jan. 30.

“The roast will be a colossally good time,” said Mike Fisher, chairman of the Elks Roast Committee. “Jay will really need to put on his cape and play Superman The Escape if he wants to survive this Thrill Shot.”

Santa Clarita Councilman Bob Kellar, who will serve as emcee of the event, concurred. “What is worse for Jay — going bankrupt or being roasted? Terminator: Salvation is his only hope.”

Proceeds from the event will go to Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers, Inc. Last year’s roast raised nearly $50,000 for the Dixon Centers, which went directly toward providing patient care at the non-profit organization’s three health centers in the Santa Clarita Valley.

In the past year the centers have provided service for 8,000 patient visits. To score tickets to this year’s roast call the Elks Club at (661) 251-1500.

Who are the Elks?
The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Santa Clarita, Lodge No. 2379, is located at 17766 Sierra Highway in Canyon Country. The Elks give more scholarships than any other organization except the United States government.

They collect and redistribute more than $10 million annually nationwide through the Elks National Foundation.

The Foundation gives millions of dollars to disabled children in California; supports hospitalized veterans with clothing and other necessities; and hosts a variety of holiday parties throughout the year, as well as donating food baskets to local needy families.
Showdown at the REP

Does everyone remember the fun they had at the November 2008 Showdown fundraiser held at the Repertory East Playhouse?

Fantastic music, celebrity appearance by Julie Brown and wonderful food and drink? Add to that the fact everyone was safely home shortly after 9 p.m. An encore fundraiser will be held, again at the REP, on Thursday, Feb. 4. For information e-mail showdownfundraiser@yahoo.com or call (661) 478-8739.

Celebrity Waiter presents ‘Senior Prom’
Another big event to plan for in the New Year is the annual Celebrity Waiter dinner to benefit the SCV Senior Center. This year’s theme is “Senior Prom.” I think it sounds absolutely grand! Here’s hoping I can dig up a date! The event will be held Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Hyatt Valencia. For information contact Kathy Crone at (661) 964-7626.

COC Foundation Silver Spur Event  
Another big event in the first quarter of the year is the presentation of the annual SilverSpur Award for Community Service by the College of the Canyons Foundation. This year’s event will honor two of my SCV favs — Myrna and Gary Condie. These are two classy people who deserve this honor — and just about any other accolade you can think of. The Silver Spur event is also fun because it usually involves traveling outside the SCV to a unique and unusual location. For more information contact Michele Edmonson at (661) 362-3435.

A teaser …
Rumors are that the SCV Press Club is bringing back “Newsmakers.” I have some inside information on that subject and I’d like everyone to circle Friday, March 26 on your calendars. Save that date for me.