BY LOREEN BERLIN: Volunteerism.
It's that time in a person's life when, without being paid for a service, one can feel greater pride in their life than at any other time, by helping his or her community or a charitable organization.
That pride was evident Saturday morning along Historic Main Street as Cub Scouts and many volunteers from the community met to replace the 20 American flags on the street in time for the April 1 Downtown Open Street Event.
BY LOREEN BERLIN: Volunteerism.
It's that time in a person's life when, without being paid for a service, one can feel greater pride in their life than at any other time, by helping his or her community or a charitable organization.
That pride was evident Saturday morning along Historic Main Street as Cub Scouts and many volunteers from the community met to replace the 20 American flags on the street in time for the April 1 Downtown Open Street Event.
The morning began with patriotic music performed by Karl Carrasco on keyboard and Edgar Flores on guitar; the two are musical instructors from H.O.P.E. (Helping others prepare eternity), an organization that works to turn despair into hope.
Hope Founder Gayle Knight attended.
Flags are replaced every six months as needed, according to Main Street Association treasurer and former president Scott Weimer.
It's nice to see American flags that are actually made in America. The flags were made right here in in Long Beach, by the Taylor Company, in business since 1932.
"It was wonderful seeing the Cub Scouts out on Main Street this morning, performing the kind of hands-on volunteerism that really makes a difference in our town," said Weimer, event organizer. "They did a great job and should be commended for their community service.”
Cub Scout Pack No. 75, led by Cub Master Sarah Witty and Den Leader Jeff Gaulrapp, gathered early Saturday morning on Historic Main Street to be part of the placement of 20 new American flags on the light posts.
Scouts helped by properly and respectfully folding the worn flags according to the Flag Code and placing them in a large container; a proper flag-burning ceremony will be held later by the Cub Scout Pack with the help of the Young Marines, a national youth program that takes part in honoring veterans.
The flags were funded by Patti Widdicombe, owner of the five McDonald Restaurants in Garden Grove.
"I'm a member of the Garden Grove Main Street Association and so I volunteered that it would be an honor for me to fund the flags this time because McDonald's is about supporting the communities where they're located," said Widdicombe. "McDonalds always gives back to the community and it's about giving back and thanking the customers; all of these people here today are my customers," she added.
"We love your support Patti, and appreciate the donation," said Main Street Association President Ric Lerma. "Today makes me so proud of Main Street and the progress we've made.”
A long-time supporter and volunteer during the flag event is Charles Mitch, with American Legion Post No. 55, from Midway City.
Garden Grove City Manager Scott Stiles was on hand.
”This event gives us a sense of community and its a demonstration of the great volunteers who care so much for the city,” he said. “We’re grateful to Patti and the organizers for sponsoring the Main Street community. This helps energize the street and I think the whole street will take on a new energy with all of the new building that's taking place on the street. Looking up and down the street at the flags sends a wonderful message and makes a big difference how people see our city.”
Also on hand was City Councilwoman Stephanie Klopfenstein.
"This is not my district but I've been in Garden Grove my whole life. I was raised here and I support the city," said Klopfenstein.
Josh McIntosh and Joe Saragosa manned the large rolling ladder provided by the Gem Theatre. Saragosa is new to Garden Grove, having moved in only two months ago, but was recruited by McIntosh to help with the flags.
Normally on the last Saturday of the month, McIntosh organizes a trash cleanup for high school students as Residents and Friends of Garden Grove on Facebook, which also helps with Main Street cleanup, but he said helping with the flags on Main Street was more important this time.
"I volunteer because Main Street is special to me. My grandparents met during WWII on Main Street and our family has been here for four generations making improvements," said McIntosh. "I've participated before and even helped sand and paint the flag/light poles.”
The morning concluded with Weimer thanking volunteers for installing the flags. "The street looks a lot better now with the new flags," he said. "What you've done here today is a great community service for our Main Street and for the city.”
"Thank you for the opportunity for the Cub Scouts to have this experience," said Den Leader Gaulrapp.
Weimer commented that the flags only last six- months to-a-year because they're illuminated and on the lamp posts 24-7.
