Three-day Festival of Trees is Back
Friday, November 20 to Sunday, November 22
The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley is bringing back the popular three-day Festival of Trees so that the entire community has a chance to enjoy the event that typically marks the beginning of the community's holiday season. All funds raised benefit more than 2,800 local young people at the three Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clarita Valley.

The event location will be announced shortly, but hours are already set: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday; and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $3 to $5 (3 and under are free). Festival attendees can view and/or purchase elaborate full-sized trees, tabletop trees, centerpieces, wreaths, gingerbread houses and holiday boutique items. The children's corner will feature a variety of activities for youngsters and Santa will also be there throughout the Festival for photos.

A special evening gala, the Magic of the Lights, will feature appetizers and a live auction of the elaborately-decorated trees on Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Gala tickets are $75 per person or a premier table for eight can be purchased for $1,000. To volunteer, please send an email to jacih@scvkids.org; 254-3063 www.scvfestivaloftrees.org

Memories are the Best Gift of All
Photos are an important way to connect past and present. Tony Mason, of Memories by Mason (644-1869), preserves old photos, slides and negatives that can deteriorate over time with unique photo montages. Photo montages are not a one-time-use-only expense. "It's also about preserving your memories by adding motion and music to bring the photos to life," says Mason. "I transform pictures into a perfectly fluid story in such a personal way that tears and hugs often follow a viewing of the DVD," he continues.

Memories by Mason's photo montage prices start at just $150; you can even make prints of your priceless memories when you request that the images be transferred to CD.

"Clients tell me that they view their montages over and over again. They are a gift that anyone can give," reflects Mason.

A. Allbright Painting's Annual $7,500 Charity
Paint Giveaway Event Now Accepting Nominations
A. Allbright Painting, Inc. has announced its fifth Annual Charity Paint Giveaway Event and is now accepting nominations for deserving families in need of painting services. The Santa Clarita Valley-based painting company will select one recipient, based on need, to receive $7,500 in free paint, labor and materials.

The Charity Paint Giveaway Event was started in 2005 by A. Allbright Painting employees and founder Joshua Abramson. Each year the staff considers all the worthy nominations submitted and selects the family or organization that they feel is the most deserving.

"Since A. Allbright Painting began its Annual Charity Paint Giveaway Event we are proud to have the opportunity to bring a little joy into the hearts of those who are working through difficult hardships by providing them with painting services to add some brightness to their daily lives. Perhaps you know of a family that is struggling due to medical problems or other financial problems. We want to know about that family. We want to help!," says Abramson.

Please help by sending in your stories, pictures and supporting materials no later than November 20, 2009 to A. Allbright Painting at 27903 Smyth Drive, Valencia, CA, 91355; 294-1159 www.aallbright.com

Did your Family Purchase a New Car this Year?
If so, you may be able to deduct the sales tax! According to Michael L. Green of Michael L. Green Tax and Financial
(257-4111), a special sales tax deduction for car purchases is available through the end of 2009. "With 2010 models arriving in dealer showrooms, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that purchasing a new car, light truck, motor home or motorcycle could qualify them for a special deduction for the state and local sales and excise taxes on their 2009 tax returns," says Green. Purchases made before January 1, 2010, will qualify for this deduction under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Talk to your tax professional or car dealer for additional details.