Anaheim ~ DISNEYLAND ~ One of the best around in my opinion, done with one several times with the family, regular park admission price. (714) 781-4000

Angel Stadium ~ The BIG “A”- ~ The fireworks show is after the game. This could be dueling fireworks with nearby Disneyland! I’ve seen it myself while on the 57 freeway.

Brea ~ Brea’s Annual Country Fair FREE event at City Hall Park (also home to the Brea Plunge)  just south of Imperial Hwy. The day begins at 7:00 a.m. with the annual pancake breakfast. Festivities continue till 4:00.

Fullerton ~ FULLERTON HIGH STADIUM Show begins 5:00 p.m. with fireworks at 9:00, tickets are approximately $2 to $4.

Huntington Beach ~ JULY 4TH PARADE! I’ve done this one myself (on bikes) several times, it’s right up Main Street. Then head over to the SURF CITY PIER for a day of fun, Fireworks at dusk.  Limited VIP seating $10 bucks.

La Habra ~ LA HABRA HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM ~ Entertainment for the whole family begins at 5:00 p.m. & fireworks at 9:00. Call (562) 905-9708.

Orange ~ JULY 3 RD ~ FRED KELLY STADIUM $7 bucks, kids 2 & under FREE. Fireworks 9:00 p.m. (714) 744-7278

Yorba Linda ~ VETERAN’S PARK FREE event! Fun & entertainment at 5:00 fireworks at 9:00.

Have a great time and stay safe! If you need help with So Cal real estate contact me Lynda@PreferredHomeBrokers. We’ve been serving home buyers and sellers around the Southland for 35 years!

-Broker’s License #00402040

Operating Gratitude is an all volunteer organization of dedicated individuals led by one very determined woman, Carolyn Blashek, with the sole purpose to show support for our troops!

How many times have you thought, “What could I do to show my support for the men and women in the service of our country?” I’m not sure about you, but I’ve thought that many times.

Last June good friend, Marlene Bridges and I participated at a packing event for Operation Gratitude in Southern California. I wrote about driving from Orange County to the Armory in Van Nuys to lend a hand that day and we both had an incredible experience. An experience also shared by Marlene in her wonderful post on the subject.

So we are inviting anyone who can help, to join us next week-end, for the Holiday Drive, Saturday November 10th, to help pack the holiday care packages for our troops. This event is scheduled for both days, (10th & 11th) Marlene and I will be participating for the morning of the 11th, we’re scheduled for the a.m. session, 9:00 to noon. Normally we would be there longer, but this time Marlene has a flight later that day.

Please know this is not about politics…it’s about supporting those who are serving,…those who have left loved ones behind in the service of our country!

THE MISSION of OPERATION GRATITUDE:

Hundreds of thousands of American troops are deployed in hostile and remote regions of the world, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, Africa, Guantanamo Bay and on ships throughout international waters. The physical conditions they must endure are difficult and they may be separated from loved ones for long periods of time. OPERATION GRATITUDE seeks to lift troops’ morale, and bring a smile to their faces by sending care packages to service members overseas. OPERATION GRATITUDE care packages contain food, toiletries, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation, all wrapped with good wishes of love and support.

The 2007 Holiday Drive Volunteer Schedule:

Prep: Weekdays now through December 28: **
Monday and Fridays 9-4
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 12-4
**Armory closed Wednesday November 21**

Packing Days: **
November 10-11 ~ Veteran’s Weekend
November 23-24 (Fri and Sat of Thanksgiving)
December 1 (New Packing Day-*Lt.Gen Hal Moore joins us*)

For more info, read the FAQ’s here.

If you’re not available on Saturday, you can contact the organization directly to volunteer for Sunday packing. See the schedule below. If you wish to car pool from the OC to Van Nuys, please let me know. I have room for four additional volunteers. Can’t make it that day, please check out the website to see how you can help in other ways. If you know a teacher or scout group, see how they can participate.

Today was a day of gratitude for me.  I spent the day in Van Nuys, CA helping assemble and pack care packages sent to our men and women serving in our military deployed overseas. My friend, Marlene Bridges and I drove a couple of hours from Orange Co. to the west side of Los Angeles to meet with other volunteers for the day.

“Operation Gratitude” is an ongoing program established by one woman, Carolyn Blashek. It began with a small group working in her garage. Today Operation Gratitude has gown to a wonderful effort by Carolyn’s army of volunteers meeting at an Armory in So-Cal. This was the final wrap-up until Christmas. Today our group packed 7,000 boxes, now on their way to our troops overseas.

Marlene and I were just two of somewhere around 250+ others, young and old on the assembly line packing, taping, addressing, whatever it took to complete the process. The items sent are donated by individuals and corporations.  It was quite a site and quite an experience. We worked along side of young teens, moms, dads and seniors all willing to stand in the hot building for the entire day. I can tell you personally, it’s nothing compared to the unimaginable heat our service men and women are experiencing in Iraq and Afganistan.

Marlene and I had a wonderful experience, meeting to many nice folks and do a very small part in remembering those who serve. As we approach July 4th and celebrate our nation’s birthday I hope you remember the men and women in the service to our great country and the families they’ve left behind.

God Bless Our Troops & God Bless America!