It’s the end of January already. How did THAT happen? Just one more week until the Super Bowl which will feature the Seahawks vs. the Broncos. It should be a great game with the number one defense vs. the number one offense. As a Seattle native you know who I’m rooting for.

Bella Shaw’s Wedding Bells program

Did you miss Bella Shaw’s inaugural Wedding Bells Radio program on KHTS AM 1220? Bella and “Coach” Ron Tunick teamed up to present an informative and fun hour of relationship advice and Bella’s “deal breakers” for dating. Listen to the podcast [here]. Great fun and great advice.

Book Lovers Lunch with AAUW

The American Association of University Women will host its inaugural “Book Lovers” Luncheon, Saturday, Feb.15th from 10:30-2:30 p.m. at the Tournament Players Club in Valencia.  The cost is $65 and is a fundraiser for the AAUW Tech Trek program. The Book Lovers luncheon features two Santa Clarita Valley authors, Norma Yaeger, a wife, mother and grandmother who spent 50 years “Breaking Down the Walls on Wall Street” and Laurisa White Reyes, a resident of Saugus, and mother of five children who wrote an enchanter’s apprentice story for her son, “Rock of Ivanore.”  In addition, Debbie McIntosh, the AAUW’s own Women in History expert, will portray Margaret Mitchell during a unique interview.  The event will also include opportunity drawings and book signings.

Tech Trek (http://aauw-techtrek.org) is a science and math camp designed to develop interest, excitement, and self-confidence in young women who will enter eighth grade in the fall. It features hands-on activities in math, science, and related fields. All sleeping, eating, instructional, and recreational facilities are located on a university campus.  The SCV AAUW chapter raises funds for scholarships exclusively for 7th grade girls from the SCV. For reservations to the Book Lovers Luncheon visit www.aauw-scv.org.

Valentine’s Day

Can you believe that Valentine’s Day is only a few weeks away? Oh my. It’s time to plan something special for your sweetie. A couple’s massage is always fun, in addition to the traditional candlelit, romantic dinner. All women like to be pampered so make sure to give the lady in your life a nice spa package as a gift. (Hint, hint.)

Newhall Roundabout

It’s now easier to get to downtown Newhall with the grand opening of the Newhall Roundabout. Have you been to the Newhall Refinery or visited Ma Maison? How about The Closet on Main? There’s so much to see and do now in downtown Newhall. Go visit.

Willie Nelson

It seems the SCV is now attracting some big name talent to the Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons with the announcement that Willie Nelson and Family will be performing at the PAC on April 5. Tickets go on sale at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4. Willie Nelson is one of the most recognizable country artists of all time. He began his critically acclaimed career in the late 1950s and reached superstar status with timeless songs such as “To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before,” “On The Road Again,” “Always on My Mind” and “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.” Visit www.canyonscpac.com for more information.

Cowboy Festival

It’s never too soon to book your tickets to the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival to be held April 24-27. The weekend festival at Melody Ranch is cowboy (and cow gal) lover’s dream of music, food and Western fun. I am thrilled that my two favorite performers, Jon Chandler and Dave Stamey will be returning to this year’s festival. I am also a huge fan of the Sons of the San Joaquin and Don Edwards, who are headlining this year’s festival along with Waddie Mitchell. I’ve already purchased my “Friends of the Festival” ticket and can’t wait to see Jon Candler and Belinda Gail in concert at the William S. Hart Mansion. There will be tons of entertainment with the gun slinging skills of Joey Dillon on display and more music from Cow Bop, the Messick Family and many others. It looks to be a spectacular line up this year. Visit www.cowbowfestival.org to order tickets and to see the schedule of events and performers.

Behind the Scenes Tour

One of the first tickets to be sold out each year at the Cowboy Festival is the Behind the Scenes Tour of Melody Ranch. The tour begins at 8:30 a.m. (Saturday or Sunday) and tickets are $40 each. Take a walking tour of Melody Ranch with local historian E. J. Stephens and his wife Kim. Hear tales of building the Ranch, learn about the Ranch’s film history, and visit Melody Ranch Motion Picture Museum. The tour is limited to 60 participants and includes daily admission to the Festival. Visit www.cowboyfestival.org.

Michele E. Buttelman is a correspondent for www.hometownstation.com and the editor of the online publication www.everythingscv.com which will launch on Feb. 1. She can be reached by email at Michele@hometownstation.com.