Dates to Watch
Fridays
St. Clare Catholic Church’s 32nd annual Lenten Fish Fry. Takeout meals are available. Children and seniors eat for $7.50; adult dinners are $8.50, 4:30-8 p.m. Fridays, through March 26. St. Clare Catholic Church, 19606 Calla Way, Canyon Country.

March 6
The 2010 Silver Spur Celebration hosted by the College of the Canyons Foundation will be held at the Autry National Center in Los Angeles. Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. with the dinner to follow at 7.  Honorees are Gary and Myrna Condie.  Info: College of the Canyons Foundation at (661) 362-3737 or (661) 362-3435.

“Shout Hope” benefit concert and fundraiser for “To Write Love on Her Arms,” light dinner included, $15, 5:30 p.m., Valencia United Methodist Church. Info: (661) 373-6748 or www.twloha.com.

March 7
Midwinter Madrigal Feast benefiting the Master Chorale of Santa Clarita offers dinner, wine, play, music, vacation opportunity drawing for Hawaii, and silent auction, $100, 6:30 p.m. Hyatt Regency Valencia, 24500 Town Center Drive, Valencia. Info: (661) 254-8886 or info@scmasterchorale.org.

March 9
Soroptomist International of Greater SCV will host the annual “Live Your Dreams” award luncheon, with three categories to be awarded to young girls and women who volunteer in the community and overcome challenging life obstacles, $20, 11:30 a.m., The Oaks Grille at TPC, 26550 Heritage View Lane, Valencia. Info: (661) 254-6380.

Upcoming Events
Senior Center lectures/clinics
All lectures held 1-2 p.m. in activity rooms 1 & 2 of the SCV Senior Center, 22900 Market St., Newhall.
Wednesday, March 3-Reverse Mortgages with Bank of America reverse loan officers Maria-Esther Villanueva and Gonzalo Monje.
Every Wednesday-From noon- 1 p.m., Blood pressure checks held in Activity Room 3.
Wednesday, March 10-Blood Sugar/Diabetes Clinic with registered dietitian Lori Robinson, who will provide free blood sugar testing.
Info: Diana Sevanian (661) 255-1588, Ext. 138.

Income Tax Help for Seniors
IRS/AARP trained volunteers will be available to help seniors complete and file their income taxes, free, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons through April 14, SCV Senior Center, 22900 Market St., Newhall. Bring a picture ID, copy of Social Security card, and last year’s tax return to appointment. Info: (661) 259-9444 or visit Elaine or Diane at the Senior Center from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Accessorize with Social Graces
Free class on social graces and etiquette for ladies by Grace Lee includes proper ways to enter and exit a room, formal and informal stances and posture, proper sitting, and more, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 4, call for location. Info: (661) 703-3019.

Local Vendor Day at Whole Foods
Meet local food producers such as Jamie Alba of Sisley Restaurants, who has a new line of vegetarian frozen foods, Jeff Cohen of Granola gourmet, and Jerry Gonzalez of Spun City organic cotton candy and Maria Elena’s Latin horchata drinks as they take part in a panel discussion, free, noon-1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 6, Whole Foods Market, 24130 Valencia Blvd., Valencia. Info: (661) 260-2377, ext. 210 or tina.landrum@wholefoods.com.
 
ALS (Lou Gehrig’s) Support Group
Santa Clarita Valley support group for people with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), their families and friends, free, 1-2:30 p.m, Saturday, March 6, Valencia United Methodist Church, 25718 McBean Parkway, Valencia. Info: (818) 865-8067, Ext. 234.
 
SCV Off the Grid Meeting
Founded to promote solar, wind and watershed technologies in the SCV, SCV Off the Grid will hold its monthly meeting from 7-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 9, private location. Info/RSVP: (661) 259-3704.

CRTA Winter Meeting
California Retired Teachers Association’s winter luncheon and general meeting includes lunch, general meeting, and representatives from the SCV Senior Center’s Trips and Tours. 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 9, IHOP, 24737 Pico Canyon Road, Newhall. Info: (661) 259-9829.

VHS Golf Fundraiser
Eat at Jersey Mike’s from 5-8 p.m. and 20 percent of all proceeds will be donated to the Valencia High School boys golf team, Wednesday, March 10, Jersey Mike’s, 23872 Copper Hill, Valencia.

SCV Escrow Assoc. Meeting
The Santa Clarita Valley Escrow Association will hold its monthly dinner meeting, featuring a program on GFE/HUD regulations with past CEA president Margarita Billings, $25 for non-members, 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 10, Marie Callender’s, The Old Road, Valencia. Info: (661) 284-2900.

Gardening Club of Santa Clarita Valley
Monthly meetings with speakers and opportunities to share gardening experiences, anyone with an interest in gardening is welcome to join, 7 p.m., Thursday, March 11 and Tuesday, April 13. Info: (661) 250-8345 or dianetheflowerlady@earthlink.net.

SCYSA Wildcat Cheer Registration
The SCYSA Wildcats will hold open registration for their cheer program, the SC Wildcats are members of the SCYSA, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a positive sports experience for children and families in the Santa Clarita Valley, 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, March 13, Velocity Sports Performance, 25461 Rye Canyon Road, Valencia. Info: www.thescysa.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Race
Knights of Columbus will sponsor its 30th annual 5K run, starting in Mentryville at the west end of Pico Canyon Road, Newhall, run entirely on trail in the park property, 9 a.m., Saturday, March 13, $21-$27 pre-registration (parking fees included). Info: (661) 259-4384.

AARP Driver Safety Program
Qualifies participants 55 and over for three-year automobile insurance credit, $12 AARP members; $14 non-members, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, March 13, SCV Senior Center, 22900 Market St., Newhall. Info: (661) 259-9444.

St. Francis Dam History/Tour
The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society will host a tour of the site of the St. Francis Dam disaster in San Francisquito Canyon, preceded by a short lecture on the topic by dam expert Frank Rock, free lecture at 11 a.m., $35 bus tour leaves at noon, funds raised will benefit the society, Saturday, March 13, Heritage Junction Park, 24101 Newhall Ave., Newhall. Info: (661) 254-1275 or alan@scvhistory.com.

Local Author Book Signings
Troy Andrew Smith and Margaret Brownley will sign their new books “Radersburg Gold” and “A Lady Like Sarah,” 4-8 p.m., Thursday, March 18, OutWest, 24265 Main St., Newhall. Info: (661) 255-7087.

Astronomical Society Meeting
Ventura County Astronomical Society will hold its monthly meeting with Dr. Tommaso Treu, who will present “Dark Matter in the Universe,” free, 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 19, Mesa Union School Multi-Purpose Room, 3901 Mesa School Road, Somis. Info: (805) 642-5166.

SCV Rock Band Competition
Check out the hottest local rock bands as they compete for supremacy, free, 2-5 p.m.,  Sunday, March 21, Route 66 Classic Grill, 18730 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country. Info: (661) 298-1494.

2010 Women in Service Brunch
Brunch to honor outstanding volunteers nominated by nonprofits at the request of Zonta Club of SCV, $35, Saturday, March 20, Robinson Ranch Country Club clubhouse. Info: (661) 252-8424.

SCV Rock Band Competition
Check out the hottest local rock bands as they compete for supremacy, free, 2-5 p.m.,  Sunday, March 21, Route 66 Classic Grill, 18730 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country. Info: (661) 298-1494.

Ukrainian Easter Egg Class
Art teacher Olga Kaczmar will lead a class on pysanky, the process that produces intricately designed Ukrainian Easter eggs, 9 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, March 24, $40 non-members, free for members of the SCV Senior Center who are enrolled in first-quarter art classes. SCV Senior Center, 22900 Market St., Newhall. Info: (661) 259-9444.

SCV Democratic Alliance for Action
Regular monthly meeting, where you can learn about the latest SCV, state, and national events as part of a warm and dynamic progressive group, all Democrats welcome, 7 p.m., Thursday, March 25, Vincenzo’s Pizza, 24505 Lyons Ave., Newhall. Info: (661) 309-4322.

Samuel Dixon Heroes 5K Run
Uniquely fun inaugural family walk/run with bagpipes, chocolate finish, and hero hotcakes breakfast will raise funds to ensure quality health care for uninsured and under-insured in our community, 8 a.m., Saturday, March 27, Newhall Park, 24933 Newhall Ave., Newhall. Tribute to local heroes in uniform to follow run. Info: (661) 257-2339 or www.sdfhc.org.

Mountainview Elem. Fundraiser
Golf tournament, buffet, raffle, and silent auction benefitting Mountainview Elementary School,  9:30 a.m. shotgun start, Monday, March 29, Tournament Players Club, 26550 Heritage View Lane, Valencia. Info: (661) 476-2673.

Easter Sunrise Service
Alliance of Christian Churches of Acton and Agua Dulce presents a community worship ministry and pageant depicting the trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ in the outdoor setting of Vasquez Rocks, free (donations welcome), 2 p.m., Saturday, April 11 and 5 a.m., Sunday, April 12, 10700 West Escondido Road, Agua Dulce. Info: (661) 268-1488 or adetres@theshepherd.org.

Bike Night Season Opener
Cruise in on your favorite motorcycle or just come to look at the cool bikes on display, free, 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, April 14, Route 66 Classic Grill, 18730 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country. Info: (661) 298-1494.

Sixth Annual Walk of Hope
“Pawsitively Pink” event, where family members, teams, and dog owners can walk in support of Circle of Hope, which provides financial assistance and emotional support to uninsured and underinsured breast cancer survivors in the Santa Clarita Valley. After the walk, there’s a classic car show and various vendors, including food, to enjoy. Free entrance; registration fee for walkers.  Walk and car show start at 8 a.m.  Saturday, April 17, Castaic Lake, 32132 Castaic Lake Drive, Castaic. Info: (661) 254-5218 or www.circleofhopeinc.org.

Assistance League Footsteps 5K
20th annual walk/run to raise funds for Operation School bell, which supplies SCV children in need with new clothing, shoes, health kits and school supplies, 8 a.m., Sunday, April 18, Newhall Park, 24933 Newhall Ave., Newhall. Info: (661) 253-3114 or www.assistanceleague-alsc.org.

Classic Car Show at Route 66
Check out the coolest classic cars around on display, free entrance, entertainment, 5-10 p.m., Saturday, May 8, Route 66 Classic Grill, 18730 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country. Info: (661) 298-1494.

Hart Park Walk Club
“Walking for Health,” under the direction of William S. Hart Park recreation services leader, Laurie Bevington, light exercise with optional walking paths and pedestrian trails (3K), free, 9:15-10 a.m., Wednesdays and Fridays, 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall. Info: (661) 702-8953.

Project Return peer support
Self-help group for people who recognize they have a mental illness meets 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 12 p.m. Thursdays, Santa Clarita Department of Mental Health, 23501 Cinema Drive, #200, Valencia. Info: (661) 600-4689.

Dog rescue seeks volunteers
The Brittany Foundation, a no-kill sanctuary located in Agua Dulce, is looking for dog lovers to help at their ranch. Duties can include cleaning kennels, walking or playing with dogs, grooming and bathing, repairs, and office work or grant writing, as well as assisting at fundraising and adoption events or baking for bake sales. Info: sathewords@yahoo.com.

Xi Tau Tau Chapter Meeting
Xi Tau Tau Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi meets the second Monday of each month at members’ homes to unite in friendship and promote cultural development. Info: (661) 252-5470.

LeTip business referral group
Network with other local professionals, 7-8:30 a.m., every Thursday, Marie Callender’s, 27630 The Old Road, Valencia. Info: (661) 295-9616.

SCV Swing Jazz Club
Meets on the fourth Sunday of every month to enjoy listening and dancing to the sounds of “The Blue Lagoon.” 2-5 p.m., $8/$10 or $15-$25 yearly membership fees. Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, 22900 Market St., Newhall. Info: (661) 254-4220 or (661) 298-7865.

Postpartum Passages group
Support group helps moms ease into the transition that a newborn brings, facilitiated by trained specialists, 12:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Foundation Building, Room 2, 23871 McBean Parkway, Valencia. $10 per person. Info: (661) 200-BABY.

Special education services in SCV
The Santa Clarita Valley Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) serves Castaic, Newhall, Saugus, Sulphur Springs, and William S. Hart Union High School District to provide special education services for students with identified disabilities from birth to age 22. Info: (661) 294-5398.

Ski and sports club meeting
Santa Clarita chapter of Century City Ski Club meets at 7 p.m., first Tuesday of every month, Marie Callender’s, The Old Road, Valencia. Open to those 21 and older with an interest in snow skiing, snowboarding, and more. Info: (661) 255-8873 or www.ccsc.org.

Unemployment support group
Find encouragement in a supportive environment, network with others, and learn about job searches, resume building, interviewing, and navigating financial challenges, 7 p.m., second and fourth Thursdays of each month, New Life Church, 27053 Honby Ave., Canyon Country. Info: (661) 916-2033.

The Lost Patrol support group
Serving Vietnam era veterans and their families in the Santa Clarita, San Fernando, Simi, and Antelope Valleys, support group at 10:10 a.m. third Sunday of each month, Marie Callender’s, 27630 North The Old Road, Valencia. Info: (661) 296-6699 or trooper76@earthlink.net.

Food Pantry seeks volunteer drivers
The Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry needs volunteer drivers to help pick up donations from local markets on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday mornings.  Info: (661) 255-9078.