• New York native Cathy Disbrow grew up watching Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Two years ago, her dream of participating in it came true after meeting a Macy’s regional manager in Houston and sharing her ambition. She applied and became a balloon handler for the 2009 event in the Beach Ball Brigade. The day began at 5 a.m. at the New Yorker Hotel for wardrobe – an orange jumpsuit with a yellow knit hat and gloves. It was a 56-degree day and up to 6 million people lined the parade route. Disbrow is Florida business development leader for Trane Commercial Services. “It truly was a thrill of a lifetime,” she said.
• The Salvation Army will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal for the homeless from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today at The Salvation Army’s Towers Social Services Center at 900 W. Adams St. in Downtown Jacksonville. Nearly 400 people are expected at the annual Thanksgiving Day event. All are welcome. More than 150 volunteers will help prepare and serve the meal to anyone in need. To donate, call 301-4855. To volunteer this Christmas season, call 301-4846.
• At noon today, the Sulzbacher Center will serve a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Volunteers will be serving smoked turkey with gravy, dressing, yams, corn, green bean casserole, dilled carrots, fresh rolls and pumpkin pie. The holiday meal was made possible by community donations. The Ferrigno Family sponsored the meal, Publix and the Amity Turkish Cultural Center provided turkeys, and Tombo’s smoked the turkeys. More than 450 men, women and children are expected to take part. The center is at 611 E. Adams St.
• The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today for families who want some fresh air before or after their Thanksgiving meals. For information, visit www.jacksonvillezoo.org.