There will be major tree trimming on the trail entrance to the arena on Saturday, 9/16.  Please be cautious!

It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Mike Shiley who passed away on August 19th.  Our prayers go out to his wife Becky and the entire Shiley family.  Our flag, at the Mara Brandman Arena is flying at half staff in honor of our Arena Manager. He will be terribly missed by us all.

Services will be held on Saturday August 26th at 9:30am
Fairhaven Memorial
1702 Fairhaven Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Note: Mike’s family suggests wearing blue to the service, Mike’s favorite color.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, they would like a donation made in his name to Orange Park Arenas, Equestrians, Trails Corp (http://opa-etc.org/support/) or PO Box 2432, Orange, CA 92859.

Please join us in welcoming John Lyons to the Mara Brandman arena on February 6th, 2017 (1pm-4pm).  The cost is $45 per person to attend.  John will be demonstrating with his own horses.

To Register-

https://www.johnlyons.com/ShoppingCart.aspx?com=detailview&iid=63&returncom=productcalendar

The website for more information –

https://www.johnlyons.com/page/homeabout-john–jody

Thank You to all those who purchased Christmas Trees at the OPA- Arena last year. FROSTY’S TREES are back and looking forward to helping you get that special tree for your family !!!    If you know of anyone who has not yet purchased a Christmas tree, these are very special.  They have many sizes to choose from.  If you want an extra large tree, stop by and they can provide one to suit you. Please help us spread this news. For further information, call: Lois Widly 714-943-0836

“Frosty’s Trees” last year , donated and delivered 2 trees to the Salem Church Boutique and a tree to “The Beverly House “ (assisting homeless, young, women in Orange.)

Michelle Pettit-Williams, longtime active OPA community resident went to heaven after a courageous battle with cancer. Sept. 7, 1953 – March 7, 2016.   Wife of Bruce Williams, Mother of Edward and Judy Williams, Carrie and Andrew Lambert.  Grandmother of Jacob and Brett and Aaron. A celebration of her life service will be held Saturday March 19th at 10:00 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church, 6411 E Frank Lane, Orange, CA  92869. A reception immediately following the service will be held at the Johnson Residence, 7117 East Clydsdale Ave., Orange, CA  92869. OPA-ETC, Board, management organization wishes to acknowledge their appreciation of the many hours spent by Michelle working with Lynn Canton to set up the original working Board with its Non-Profit status including a great deal of time as our Executive Secretary and Treasurer.  Michelle also gave a great deal of time and effort setting up of the beginning Cow Sorting at the arena.  She also spent many hours as announcer at Cow Sorting.   There is a plaque at the arena which includes acknowledgement of her along with all of the original Board members.   Michelle, having owned and operated her own business, was an accomplished businesswoman and community leader and will be missed in OPA. We will continue to keep Bruce and her other family members in our prayers.  We hope many of you who knew Michelle will honor her and support her family by attending the above Memorial on March 19. Thank You

We are very sad to inform you of the sudden death of Rick Flathers. Rick  was out riding his horse on Rattlesnake trail Monday afternoon, March 7th and may have suffered a  possible heart attack. We send our deepest sympathy to his wife Nancy, his brother Tim and the entire Flathers family.  His service is scheduled for Saturday, April 9th, 10am at the Sandford Meadow.

Hard working Boy Scout Troop 525 steps in to clean up weeds and trash at the arena. We continue to be so grateful for all the work Troop 525 does to help support the community!  Thank you!!!!