Blessing of the Animals is Oct. 4
All Saints Anglican Church will host a Blessing of the Animals at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Residents are invited to bring their pets for a special blessing in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.
Father Enn Auksmann will bless all pets. The church is at 18082 Bushard St., just south of Talbert Avenue. Parking is available.
FVFD Open House is Oct. 11
Fountain Valley residents are invited to attend this year’s Fire Department Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Fire Station 1, 17737 Bushard St.
Visitors can meet firefighters, tour fire trucks and ambulances, learn about fire prevention, take photos in the booth area and enjoy a free hot dog lunch.
The event also includes Jaws of Life and fire extinguisher demonstrations.
For more information, call 714-593-4436.
Courreges Turns 50 on Oct. 11
Courreges Elementary School will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a birthday party beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at 18313 Santa Carlotta St.
The event will feature family games, food trucks, entertainment and a slideshow. Attendees are encouraged to wear Courreges spirit wear or school colors. Friends and extended family are welcome.
Registration is open for the Monster Mash Bingo Bash, set for 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at the Center at Founders Village Senior and Community Center, 17967 Bushard St.
The evening will include bingo, music, dinner, drinks and a costume contest. Cost is $25 per person, which covers 30 bingo cards, one dauber, dinner and one nonalcoholic drink. Additional cards, daubers and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
Register online at fountainvalley.gov.
For details, call 714-593-4446.
Boys & Girls Club gala is Oct. 25
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley will host the Great Futures Start Here Ed Arnold Gala on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa.
For nearly 50 years, the event has been a major fundraiser for the organization. This year’s goal is to raise $1 million to support youth development programs for children in Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach.
More than 600 guests are expected to attend. Presenting sponsors Kingston Technology and the Mayer Family Foundation each donated $100,000 to support local youth and families.
The event will feature an online auction open to the public beginning Oct. 17 and closing at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25.
A live auction for gala attendees will include items such as a private tour of the Reagan Museum with Mike Reagan and VIP tickets to the PGA Genesis Open and U.S. Open Golf Championship.
To purchase tickets, bid in the auction or learn more, visit greatfutures2025. com.
Christmas Boutique Dec. 7
The Ladies of the Knights of Columbus at Holy Spirit Church in Fountain Valley will host a Christmas Boutique from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in the church’s new hall.
Vendors interested in selling crafts or food items may contact Beverly White at 714-328-4031 or bevwhite429@yahoo. com for details.
OCPA Announces Grants
Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) has announced five recipients of its annual Bright Futures Grant program. Nearly $100,000 in funding will support local nonprofits, schools, and educators in their efforts to inform communities on the benefits of renewable energy and Community Choice Aggregation (CCA).
“As a locally controlled clean energy provider, the Orange County Power Authority is dedicated to uplifting the organizations that are prioritizing renewable energy education,” said Susan Sonne, OCPA Board Chair.
Two of the grants will have a direct benefit to the residents of Fountain Valley:
• Climate Action Campaign will organize a public forum and engagement program that develops local energy leadership and promotes community- driven clean energy strategies.
• Give for a Smile will conduct a multilingual outreach and education program on renewable energy, training community leaders to host educational workshops.
The Bright Futures Grant recipients were selected based on their ability to provide community education on the benefits of renewable energy to diverse audiences in OCPA member cities.