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Did You Know?
February is National Children's Dental Health Month
2022's Theme is "Sealants Make Sense"
There's still time to celebrate good oral health in February - and get dental appointments on the calendar for everyone in the family.
This year's theme - "Sealants Make Sense" - focuses on one effective way to prevent cavities.
Sealants are part of a comprehensive caries management approach and, when applied to permanent molars, can reduce the risk of caries by 80 percent.
Dr. Marvin Tong, DDS 268-6284
"I have been interested in acting since I was 13. Years later, I was able to afford to take classes and found Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts. For over a year now I've been taking classes in acting and voiceover here at SCSOPA. I can honestly say it's been the best decision I've made. When I started I had self doubt, I was shy, I was afraid to perform in front of an audience. All of those have diminished significantly. The teachers are all amazing, helpful and make learning the craft of acting fun. Mike and Miriam made registering easy and are always there for any kind of questions or to help. I recommend this school for anyone looking to have fun in the performing arts business and to learn the craft."
Erick Estrada
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Join Gilchrist Farm for an Egg-sellent Adventure in April
Tickets are Already Selling Fast
Gilchrist Farm's Spring Fling and Egg Hunt is a massively-popular annual event that brings the community together in celebration of spring. On April 2, 3, 9, 10 and 16, you and your family can pet baby animals like goats, chicks, piglets and more; create sweet spring farm crafts; take a picture with the Easter Bunny (And cuddle a real bunny!); ride ponies and horses; take a tour on a wagon; try your hand at ax throwing; practice archery and much more.
But what's really exciting - and what often sells out quickly - is the incredible egg hunt! Each hunt is divided into four age/ability groups ranging from 3 and under with eggs hidden in plain sight to the Challenge Course for kids over 11 - or any child who's up for obstacles with well-hidden eggs. It's a wholesome, memorable experience for the entire family - and one you really do not want to miss.
Book your tickets online today. gilchristfarm.com
Saint Patrick's Day is Thursday, March 17
Bake Irish Soda Bread Together
There's no shortage of simple recipes for this crusty bread that pairs well with soups and stews - so pick any of them and then let your kids enjoy the mixing, kneading... and eating. Serve it with Irish butter - we love Kerrygold - for a creamy layer of authenticity.
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Professional Grooming It's not just to make your Pet Look Good
It's every pet owner's responsibility to make sure their pets are happy and healthy. How does grooming fit into that commitment? It's not like your puppy cares whether or not her hair has a sweet little bow in it, after all.
But that's the thing - grooming isn't just about your pet looking cute. Groomers are trained to take care of your pet's ears, teeth and nails - not just make them look good.
Some breeds of dog require more maintenance than others when it comes to their coats - but all breeds need to be groomed regularly to keep them comfortable and well.
And, don't forget about your feline companions. While most cats are good about grooming themselves there are places they can't easily reach. Hairballs will definitely happen more often if they don't get regular brushing. Mats can quickly turn into a big problem if not attended to right away and what starts out as a mild skin irritation can quickly turn into an infected wound.
You can still get your breed-specific cut - and your bows, if you love them! Just don't put off grooming for your pet - it's important to their health and wellness.
Pet Supplies Plus in Valencia offers full grooming services. 670-0071
Inside SCV's Field Trip of the Month
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge
33 Minutes from Santa Clarita
Descanso Gardens is a 150-acre botanical garden that's speckled with the most magical streams, ponds and lawns. You and the kids can wander through a forest, peek at the flowers in bloom or learn about the history of the space at the Sturt Haaga Gallery. The Gardens are open 9am to 5pm daily and, unless you're a member, admission fees are $15 for general; $11 for students and seniors; $5 for kids ages 5 to 12 and free for littles 4 and below. Free Tuesday tickets are released on the first day of each month - log on for more details.
descansogardens.org
Have an idea for our Field Trip of the Month feature? Tell us! Email tedwards@insidescv.com with your suggestions.
Dynamic Movement LA's Classes are Inspiring SCV Families to Move More
Dynamic Movement L.A.'s course offerings have been specifically designed to provide every component needed to reach a performer's maximum potential. Through a diverse selection of classes and programs, each student is able to build and create their own path. Here are just a few of the classes we're excited to try!
Mommy & Me for 18 months to 3 years old
Personal Training with customized fitness and nutrition programs
Adult Fitness and Dance classes
Dance Styles like Tap, Jazz, Contemporary and Hip Hop
Dynamic Movement L.A. was created with each student in mind so that everyone benefits from a unique experience customized to their goals and abilities. The owners' dedication, combined with love and discipline, provides an environment where every individual can develop to their fullest potential while being taught by kid-friendly industry professionals. Log on for all the details - and to book a free class.
dmlastudio.com
Your Family's Next Car is Waiting For You
Get to Know Acura Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles
With all the supply chain chaos experienced over the past year, it's nice to know that Acura Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles are readily available on the dealership lot and waiting to meet their next owner. Significantly enhanced in 2019, the Acura CPO Vehicle Program was named Best Premium Brand Certified Pre-Owned Program Warranty by IntelliChoice.
From the engine to the door locks, these elite cars are held to the highest standards and must pass a comprehensive 182-point vehicle inspection and a Vehicle History Report review. Virtually every mechanical system is checked and serviced to meet precise specifications and a thorough appearance inspection scrutinizes fit and finish to ensure the vehicle upholds the luxury and sophistication of the Acura name.
Upcoming services are also identified and performed during inspection and new floor mats installed. Each vehicle is reconditioned, inside and out, to create a certified luxury ownership experience. Only vehicles with less than 80,000 miles are accepted into the program. Complete with benefits such as warranty, roadside assistance and concierge services to name a few, an Acura CPO is as close to a new car as possible. If you are in the market for a certified pre-owned luxury vehicle, visit Valencia Acura's showroom or website for a complete inventory.
Valencia Acura 255-3000
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Clean up your electronic files and teach your kids how, too.
A reader recently shared that they needed to use their teen son's Gmail account - and discovered that he'd never deleted an email. Ever. They watched about 15 minutes of YouTube tutorials together on how to better manage their digital data and today, that inbox is as clean as a whistle.
Go paperless.
From DMV registrations to gas bills, nearly every organization that wants your money is also willing to save more of their own by not printing and mailing you a bill. But you're also doing yourself a favor in the clutter department - and being sweeter to Mother Nature - when your invoice is emailed.
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Go through all your automated subscriptions that are billed each month and cancel what you don't use?
One of Inside SCV Magazine's publishers did just that, starting with auto-billed channels on their Amazon Prime account. She's now saving over $100 a month - and her kids didn't even notice that they no longer have access to Paramount +.
Join a local Facebook "Buy Nothing" group?
Separated by geographical area - there's a Buy Nothing group for Castaic, Valencia and more - these online communities are a brilliant way to rehome furniture, clothing, electronics and more that you no longer need. Recent posts have even found happy new owners for fresh-baked cakes, sourdough starters and just-picked oranges. From a 15-year-old iPod Nano living it's best retirement with a new owner to the baby high chair on it's fourth home, gifting your neighbors keeps unwanted items out of the landfill - and out of your house.
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Spring clean your commitments.
A lot of us didn't mind seeing social commitments wane during peak pandemic, but now that things feel a bit more normal, demands on our limited free time are again creeping back into our calendars. Let this be your reminder that "No" is a complete sentence and that we can teach our kids not to overcommit - and eventually burnout - by modeling healthy boundaries.