Local Orthodontist Offers
Fee Deferral for Qualifying Families
Alan Z. Barbakow, DDS, a much-loved SCV orthodontist based in Newhall, has announced his We Are One campaign. Dr. Barbakow states "Starting now, my orthodontic office will maintain a continuation of care for all new patients, deferring fees if you have a reversal in economic status. If you lose your job, we'll wait for you to get a new one. Worries about tomorrow should not prevent you or your children from receiving the treatment you need today."

This promise is especially important to parents of young children and teens. "When it comes to dentistry in general, and orthodontics in particular, small problems today can turn into major problems tomorrow. My staff and I are committed to making healthy smiles for life, and in order to do that, we need to get these kids in our office. Moms and Dads shouldn't be afraid to do the right thing for their child because of economic fears," says the doctor.
Dr. Barbakow is also soliciting local businesses to join his We are One campaign to help SCV thrive again. He hopes that other SCV professionals "think outside the box" about how they can continue to succeed - through partnerships, innovation and commitment to their neighbors - in this new economic climate; 259-5959 weareone@insidescv.com

Do Something for Others and Yourself
Get the family out walking together for a good cause.

Sunday, May 3 2009 Arthritis Walk Held at Six Flags Magic Mountain, this nationwide event raises awareness and funds to fight arthritis, the most common cause of disability. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.; www.arthritiswalkmm.com

Saturday, May 16 JCI Santa Clarita Valley Presents Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund Annual FIGHT IT! 5K Starting at
8 a.m., follow the cross-country course along the tree-lined trails of Central Park. Registration is $25 pre-registration and $30 regular. Pet registration is $5; www.fightit5k.com

Saturday, May 30 American Cancer Society Hosts SCV's 11th-Annual Relay for Life Starting at 9 a.m. and held at Central Park in Saugus. A fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of your local American Cancer Society; 818-652-2505 www.scvrelay.org

Just for Mom...
Tuesday, May 5 Frontline Community Church Presents Thirty-One Unplugged At 6 p.m., join the Women of 31 as they support A New Way of Life Re-Entry Project in LA. Bring your gently used clothes, shoes and purses with you. Tickets on sale now;
www.p31women.com

Saturday, May 16 Zonta Presents LifeForward Workshops for Women: Employment Starting at 10:30 a.m., learn about transferable skills, interviewing skills, resume preparation and local resources for job search. Workshops are free and held at the Valencia Library; 252-9731 www.scvzonta.com

Family Friendly Events...
Saturday, May 2 Annual Pet Vaccination Clinic From 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Central Park, take care of your furry friends with low-cost vaccinations, license renewal and free micro-chipping for your pet; 286-4193

Saturday, May 9 Breakfast with the Gibbons Held at the Gibbons Conservation Center Includes a guided tour of the largest group of gibbons (small apes) in the Americas; 296-2737
www.gibboncenter.org

Sunday, May 17 HMNMH Hosts 2009 SCV Healthy Baby Expo Starting at 11a.m., experience a health fair focusing on prenatal and postpartum mothers, fathers and babies, including information on how to have a better pregnancy, birthing experience and a healthier baby. This free community event includes a number of activities for the entire family; 253-8060 www.henrymayo.com

Plan Your Wedding with Help from the Pros
Tuesday, May 12 Santa Clarita Wedding Professionals Bridal Seminar Held at the Hyatt Valencia, you will learn the Do's and Dont's of planning a wedding. www.santaclaritaweddings.com

This Month, Why Don't You...
make strawberry shortcake? Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are back in season at the Old Town Newhall Farmers' Market. Become a frequent visitor every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Market Street between Main Street and Walnut Avenue. Once you have the fresh-picked goods, snag some of those pre-made fluffy yellow cakes. No one will know (Well, actually - they will. But they won't care.) Don't forget the Whipped Cream!
dust off the two wheeler? On Thursday, May 14, many an SCVian will be leaving the car keys at home in support of Bike to Work Day. Take advantage of Santa Clarita's biking pit stops and prizes. You can register at
www.metro.net/biketowork.
finish your spring cleaning? The fact that you can't toss oil or latex paints, antifreeze, auto batteries, motor oil, filters or other hazardous waste in the trash is hopefully not news. What might be 411-worthy, though, is the info that City residents can schedule a free collection of these substances by calling 800-449-7587.