photography courtesy of Gary Choppe

Support Carousel Ranch's most Famous Rider
Dana Sachs to Compete in "Dancing with our Stars"
Representatives from numerous deserving nonprofits are taking to the dance floor on Saturday, April 2, to compete in Santa Clarita's own "Dancing with our Stars." Paired with professional dancers, the newly-minted twinkletoes will battle it out through waltzes and tangos in their attempts to raise vital funds for their organizations.

Dana Sachs will be performing in the competition on behalf of her favorite charity, Carousel Ranch. The organization provides therapy on horseback to over 100 local kids each week. Families coping with mental and physical disabilities, as well as debilitating diseases like cerebral palsy and cancer, take comfort in the physical and emotional gains their children make on the back of a horse.

"Carousel Ranch has done so much for me and all of the other kids over the years. Having this chance to dance for the Ranch gives me a way to give back," says Dana, who has been riding at the Ranch for over a decade. "At first it was difficult to think of exactly how I was going to dance in a wheelchair, but now - we have most of the choreography done and it has been so much fun! I am really looking forward to it," she shares.

You can support Dana and the families of Carousel Ranch by purchasing a vote for $25. You can also attend a pre-event kickoff for the cause. We encourage you to give generously; taking good care of a child coping with a disability can be financially devastating for families. No child is ever turned away from Carousel Ranch because of their family's inability to pay. Your contribution, 100 percent of which will go directly to the Ranch, is greatly appreciated.

How You can Help
Attend "Dancing with our Stars" on Saturday, April 2 to support Dana and Carousel Ranch. The event will be held at the Odyssey restaurant in Granada Hills. Tickets can be purchased at www.scvstars.com.

Attend the Le Chene Sneak Peek on Thursday, March 24. Your $40 ticket will include one $25 vote for Carousel Ranch - and an incredible evening for you! From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. you'll sip on Juan's Red house chardonnay and nibble on delicacies like Eggs Mimosa, Caesar Salad, Brie with Apples & Bread, Gougeres au Fromage and Stuffed Mushrooms. (A no-host bar will also be available for mixed drinks.) After mixing and mingling with the guests, Dana and her partner will perform on the dance floor in full costume. Tickets can be purchased at www.dancingforcr.info.

Vote for Dana! Your $25 vote covers one important lesson for a very special child. Log onto www.dancingforcr.info and cast your vote.

Julie West Photography 295-7723

It's Time to Start Planning
Spring & Summer Day Camp
Wallers' GymJam Academy Spring Day Camp
Running from April 4 to April 8, Wallers' GymJam will host two sessions of day camp: from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Early drop offs and late pick ups are available. Your kids will have a blast as they experience the best in professional gymnastics training, plus swimming, field trips, arts and crafts and more; 251-3390 www.wallersgymjamacademy.com

Valley Trails Summer Camp Open House
Valley Trails is now taking online enrollment for their very popular day camps. Starting in June and open to kids in kindergarten through 10th grade, Valley Trails will be hosting an Open House on May 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tour the facilities and find out more about the new camper's choice set of activities. Check out the website for the insane list of options (Can we sign up!?); 257-0266
www.vtranch.com

Mountasia 253-4FUN (4386)

Mountasia Offers Unlimited Play for Less!
Looking for a way to keep the kids busy all day? Snatch the coupon on page 57 and take $5 off any Unlimited Play pack of $19.99 or more (valid for seven guests or less); 253-4FUN (4386)

Before You Drive to Grandma's House...
You'll probably be trekking over the hill and through the woods as you make your way to Easter or Passover family functions. Before you put the miles on, take off some of the wear and tear accumulated from the last road trip with an oil change by PACC Auto. With the coupon found on page 12, you'll get an oil change, filter and free car wash for only $34.95 (see coupon for details); 253-3123

Oak Tree Gun Club Now Offering Private Lessons
Whether you want to learn how to shoot for protection or hobby purposes, developing skills in the company of a professional is essential for safety. Oak Tree Gun Club offers private lessons for the beginning shooter or for those wishing to sharpen their shooting skills. Private instruction is available for shotgun, pistol and rifle shooting. Lessons are held at Oak Tree Gun Club in Newhall with instructor Tim Mitchell. Private instruction can accommodate groups of one to five people and costs $75 per hour. This includes range fees, gun rental fees and a limited amount of ammunition. Private lessons must be scheduled in advance and can be coordinated to accommodate your schedule; 259-7441


This Month, Why Don't You?
Get out for a Run on Sunday, April 10?
There are few better local philanthropic programs than Operation School Bell. Run by the Assistance League of Santa Clarita, this program provides school clothes and essential supplies to an increasing number of SCV kids living in poverty. Help them out by joining the Footsteps 5K Walk/Run from Newhall Park into the Southfork Trail (and back). There will be a Kids 1K, too. If you believe that children, regardless of their socioeconomic position, deserve a fair shot at success in school, this is the event for you; 259-2637 or 755-9478

Take the dog for a Walk on Saturday, April 16?
The seventh-annual 5K Walk for Hope is "pawsitively pink" this year, because family members, teams and even dog lovers will join in the fun as everyone walks the scenic route of lower Castaic Lake. Vote for your favorite vehicle at the People's Choice Car Show, shop vendors and help raise money for Circle of Hope. The organization provides financial and emotional assistance to breast cancer patients who live or work in Santa Clarita; www.circleofhopeinc.org

Plant a tree on Friday, April 29?
In honor of Arbor Day, consider making a contribution to air quality by planting the tree of your choice. If you have room in your yard, we suggest a fruit-bearing variety that grows easily in our soil and can stand the occasional frost. Apples, anyone?

The "Just for Moms!" Edition
Sneak out on Wednesday, March 23?
Santa Clarita's new and exciting consignment boutique, Just Between Us, is hosting "Wine Down Wednesday" between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Fun, wine, food and great shopping are on the menu at the shop located on Newhall Ranch Road (in the Carl's Jr. shopping center); 257-4200

Pull an April Fools joke on them?
Moms are pegged as disciplinarians, not jokers - which is why they'll never expect that it was you who spread toothpaste all over the toilet seat. Search "April Fools pranks" online or take one out of our (less messy than "toothpaste tush") arsenal. Fill a juice glass with a "juicelike" color of Jello the night before, stick a straw in it before it sets and "serve" it the kids the next day. Even our "tween" fell for it last year.

Schedule some time for personal and professional development on Saturday, April 9?
College of the Canyons Women's Conference 2011 will be presented by Boston Scientific, Valencia - Neuromodulation. Get motivated by their exciting keynote speaker and grow professionally and personally during a full day of workshops; 362-3044 www.canyons.edu

Get your bra measurements taken?
Yes, we know you have been a 36C since high school. We're not saying you aren't anymore. (Well, yes we are... but in a sweet way.) But you know that a woman's shape changes over time, right? If you're like us, you want the "ladies" to look their very best. So head over to Naughty But Nice for a free, professional measurement and try on a few of the suggested pieces. The "twins" are going to like their new outfits and you'll feel more beautiful and confident. (Yup - even if you're now a 38B.); 222-2359

Knit this t-shirt? We can't say enough good things about Stitch Cafe's ArtYarns Cottonspring Top-Down Tee. Top-down, in the round, all-in-one piece with zero seaming, this shirt couldn't be more enjoyable, or easy, to make (It's the first garment we've made, and we lived to tell about it!). The result is a light and luxurious tee perfect for layering, no matter your size; 818-980-1234

Put your old jewelry to new use?
We all have a necklace, ring or bracelet that we never wear (Because, let's be frank: It's ugly.). Now we can get the excitement of new jewelry without the price. Bella Jewelers will design a custom piece for you using your existing stones. They'll even give you credit for the gold from your original piece. Now that's the kind of recycling we can really get behind; 255-0819

Take your toes out to play?
Ladies, it's now officially sandal season. If there was ever a time to have your tootsies sporting paint colors that would make Easter eggs jealous, this is it. We're loving the tie-dye look available at Bellagio Nails & Spa because, well, it just makes us smile. So, too, does their "$40 for an Hour-long Hot Stone Massage" coupon on page 39. Pretty toes and a relaxed back? Is it our birthday?; 260-3759 or 260-3889

De-winterize your skin?
Our faces crave Balance Point's Classic Custom Facial. This deep pore cleansing and restoring facial includes deep cleansing, mild exfoliation, steam, manual extractions, facial pressure point massage and shoulder massage, customized mask application and moisturizer treatment. Make an appointment in April and take 15 percent off of all services for new clients; 252-0650

Brighton Representative Robert Dunn; Cobblestone Cottage owner Kathy Allie; winner Rose Keene and husband Ken; Store Manager Jamee Brandt [Inset] Winning Cobblestone Cottage Sales Associate Cindy Trefts

The Benefits of Shopping Local
Winning a Free Trip to Italy!
For most of us, the biggest benefit to trying on new shoes is finding a pair that fits. But for Rose Keene, the pluses include an all-expense-paid trip to Italy for two. Rose, along with her Cobblestone Cottage Sales Associate Cindy Trefts, won the once-in-a-lifetime vacation for two (including a tour of the facility where Brighton goods are made) when she was entered in a nationwide drawing. Entering is easy; all you have to do is try on Brighton's shoe of the month at Cobblestone Cottage. Also, visit through March 20 and get an exclusive floral Brighton scarf with any Brighton purchase of $100 or more. See store for details on both promotions; 253-0209