EAST COUNTY HAPPENINGS

La Mesa hosts Flag Day festivities

La Mesa invites everyone to celebrate “Old Glory” starting at 10 a.m. Saturday at the 23rd annual La Mesa Flag Day parade. The parade marches west through the La Mesa Village along La Mesa Boulevard to Acacia, led by the U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and Grossmont High School Navy Junior ROTC Color Guard. Acting as this year’s grand marshals will be health care and essential workers from Sharp Grossmont Hospital. Marching bands, active and retired military members, service clubs and youth groups will also be represented. The La Mesa Community Relations and Veterans Commission will give away ice cream bars at “The Lookout” at Legacy Park at La Mesa Boulevard, Fourth Street and Allison Avenue while supplies last. Limited parking will be available in the Civic Center parking lot on Date Street across from the police station. The parade is sponsored by EDCO, the La Mesa Village Association, and community donations. Email flagdayhelp@cityoflamesa.us.

Finale for Thursday night series

The city of Santee ends its series of six Thursday Nights Live this week at Santee Trolley Square in the amphitheater. Free family fun and music with the Bayou Brothers from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday . Grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby eateries or pack a picnic to enjoy while you check out the live entertainment. Visit santeespecialevents.com.

Summer car shows start Thursday

The La Mesa Classic Car Show rolls back into downtown La Mesa from 5 to 8 p.m. every Thursday starting this week through Aug. 25. Pre-1974 cars, trucks and vans will be parked along La Mesa Boulevard between Fourth Street and Spring Street. The free community event will feature live bands every week playing atop the La Mesa Lumber & Hardware truck “stage” at Third Street and La Mesa Boulevard. The lineup: Thursday, The Mar Dels; June 9, The Farmers; June 16, 4 Way Street; June 23, Private Domain; June 30, The Siers Brothers; July 7, Whiskey Ridge; July 14, Ron’s Garage Band; July 21, Santana Soul; July 28, Stand Up Guys; Aug. 4, Detroit Underground; Aug. 11, Love Is A Rose; Aug. 18, Zeeland; Aug. 25, The Farmers. The car show is hosted and sponsored by the nonprofit La Mesa Village Association and Johnny B’s Burgers, Brew & Spirits. Visit lamesavillageassociation.org or call (619) 343-2460.

Dollar General opens in Campo

Dollar General has opened its latest store at 31576 State Route 94 in Campo and is expected to employ six to 10 people. In addition to national and private branded products, the new location includes home décor and an expanded party preparation selection. The store also features fresh fruits and vegetables typically sold in traditional grocery stores. To celebrate the opening, Dollar General plans to donate 100 new books to a nearby elementary school to benefit K-5 students, in partnership with the Kellogg Company. The donation is part of a planned giveaway of more than 60,000 books this year nationwide. The addition of the Campo store also opens the opportunity for schools, nonprofits and libraries within a 15-mile radius to apply for Dollar General Literacy Foundation grants. For more about the foundation and its grant programs, visit dgliteracy.com.

Hospice offers volunteer sessions

The Elizabeth Hospice invites those interested in helping adults and children facing the challenges of a lifelimiting illness and those grieving a death to a free virtual volunteer orientation. Attendees will learn about a variety of virtual and in-person opportunities throughout San Diego County, including serving as patient companions, providing caregiver respite, performing aromatherapy, sewing Cuddle Bears and officiating at veteran pinning ceremonies. Information will be provided on both the application and training process. An email address and a device with a camera interface are needed to participate in the session, or attendees can join by phone. The next sessions will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, noon to 1 p.m. June 13, and 4 to 5 p.m. June 30. To register, call (800) 797-2050 or email volunteer@ehospice.org.

Commission members sought

The Lemon Grove City Council is taking applications to fill vacancies on the Planning Commission. Applicants must be 18 or older, live within Lemon Grove and be registered to vote in Lemon Grove. Find applications at bit.ly/3wgnbod. Applications may be submitted in person or by mail to City Hall, 3232 Main St., or email the City Clerk at amalone@lemongrove.ca.gov. Application deadline is 5 p.m. June 7. The City Council will interview applicants at the June 21 council meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. Call (619) 825-3841.

Virtual event for cancer survivors

Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center will host a virtual Cancer Survivors Day event from 4 to 6 p.m. June 8 for cancer survivors, families, friends and the community. The event will focus on living life well. The program will open with remarks by Scripps MD Anderson medical director Dr. Thomas Buchholz, followed by a cancer patient story by author Catherine Datte. Dr. Robert Bonakdar of Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine will discuss using meditation to cope with stress. Participants can join in a mindfulness and stretch break led by Scripps fitness instructor Amy Callahan, followed by a talk on nutrition and fitness with Scripps registered dietitian Alison Meagher and Shiley Fitness Center supervisor Teresa Hodge. The event is free, but advance registration is required, either online at bit.ly/3wiaena or by calling 800SCRIPPS.

Blood drives

The San Diego Blood Bank hosts these blood donation opportunities:

• 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. today, Central Congregational Church, 8360 Lemon Ave., La Mesa, downstairs dining room.

• 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, Skyline Church, 11330 Campo Road, La Mesa, by the fountain.

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, San Diego County Credit Union, 286 Town Center Parkway, Santee. All donors will receive a San Diego Padres Blood Drive T-shirt while supplies last.

• 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Rancho San Diego Towne Center, 2963 Jamacha Road, El Cajon. Donors will receive a San Diego Padres Blood Drive T-shirt while supplies last.

Those 17 and older, weighing at least 114 pounds and in good health may be eligible to donate. Appointments are strongly encouraged. Call (800) 4697322 or visit sandiegobloodbank.org.

Please send items to fyi.east@sduniontribune.com at least two weeks before events are to take place.