Members of Jay Wilson Post 112 and VFW post 8548  have installed the new

Flag Pole at Madison High School's Dick Hamblin Field. The field is named after Dick Hamblin who was killed in action in Vietnam September 1967.

L to R; Jon Gramoy, Don Wickert, Al Mantey, Madison Village Mayor Sam Britton, Brian Titman and Post 112 Commander Mike Evangelista.

Picture submitted by Gretch Burns

Parris Island is a beautiful spot in the low country of South Carolina. The island itself is described in this month’s “Leatherneck” magazine as being 4 miles long and 3 miles wide. The 8,000 acres includes only 3,200 acres of dry land.
The Marine Corps Recruit Depot this year is celebrating 100 years of making Marines, with the officially recognized date being Nov. 1. It was on that date when the Navy turned over the land and buildings to the Marine Corps in 1915.
I was lucky enough to have a tour of the island several years ago with my husband. The tour started out at the train station in Yemassee. The recruits arrived by train until 1965, according to the magazine article. When we stopped in Yemassee, the train station was still there, but evidently looked a lot smaller to the Marine I was with.
The causeway to the island was a much more relaxed drive than the one he took on a bus with other recruits. The land approach to the island was not installed until 1929. Before that, the only approach was by a shuttle boat.
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. is the oldest major base in the Marine Corps and is the only place where women are trained to be Marines. The women arrived aboard the island in November 1943.
I was fortunate to have been able to see the museum on the island, the parade grounds and various statues that grace the island camp.
Leatherneck’s article, “Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Celebrates ‘100 Years of Making Marines’ ” highlights the recruit depot, and explains the history of the island and the evolution of the training grounds that make Marines. So this year, Marines will celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday and the birth of MCRD Parris Island in November.

Stocking for Soldiers continues through Nov. 2
The Stockings for Soldiers and Shelters Program will continue through Nov. 2. The staff at DeJohn Funeral Homes and Crematory supplies the red and white stockings free of charge at two of their four locations between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Pick up a stocking or two at the Willoughby Hills or South Euclid locations. A list of suggested stuffers will be included with the stockings. The filled stockings need to be returned no later than Nov. 6.
DeJohn works with organizations that will send the stockings to troops overseas or to organizations locally that provide care for those who cannot care for themselves. For more information, call 440-516-5555 or visit www.dejohnfuneral.com/news-events/.

Fairport post offer perch fry
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor, will host a perch fry on Oct. 23 at the post home. Lunch will be served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner is served 4 to 7 p.m. The dinner is open to the public. For information call 440-352-1123.

Geauga County council hosts pancake breakfast 
American Legion Geauga County Council will host a pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Burton American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin Ave. in Burton. All proceeds will benefit
Geauga County Veterans in need.
An adult breakfast will be $ 10 and children’s portions for those ages 6 through 12 will be $5. For details, call 440-635-6390 or 440-313-2095.

Painesville Legion offers breakfast
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a breakfast buffet from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 1 at the post home.
Breakfast is $6 and includes eggs, home fries, bacon sausage, pancakes, biscuits, sausage gravy and coffee. For details call the post home at 440-357-7711.

Legion auxiliary unit collects for Thanksgiving baskets
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 214, 4304 Center St. in Mentor, will be collecting nonperishable food items for local families in need.
The Thanksgiving basket donations will be delivered Nov. 21 just in time for the holiday. Food and cash donations are needed. Food donations can be placed in the large barrel at the post and cash donations can be given to an auxiliary officer or a bartender on duty. For details, call the post at 440-942-7762.

Tailgate party at Painesville Post 336
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 336 will host a Browns/Steelers tailgate party at the post pavilion, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 15. Admission is $10 and includes food, draft beer, pop and a chance to win the $1,000 grand prize.
Limited tickets are available. Proceeds will benefit the Auxiliary Adopt-A-Family program.

Turkey raffle at Mentor VFW Post 9295
VFW Post 9295 Auxiliary’s annual turkey raffle will be 2 p.m. Nov. 16 at the post home, 8282 Mentor Ave. in Mentor. Those who plan to attend should call the post at 440-255-3493.

Learn to paint at Gunny’s Hall
Christmas Gnomes at the Hall, join Rachel with Artists Uncork’d and uncork your creativity at 3 p.m. Dec. 5 at Marine Corps League Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road in Mentor. Learn step-by-step instruction on how to paint your own painting. Beginners are welcome.
Cost is $25 per person and all supplies are included. Sign up on line at www.artistsuncorkd.com. Payment in cash or check is due the day of the event. Please bring a food dish to share.

To submit items for this column, send them to Larece Galer, The News-Herald, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or email LGaler@News-Herald.com

I’m not a huge fan of all the electronic gizmos that seem to be taking over our society.
I am talking about the phones that take photos and connect to the Internet, the computers that offer face time with relatives thousands of miles away and the ever-present social media.
I have to admit the phones could be handy for several reasons that I will not get into now. The contact with relatives and loved ones far away has to be a blessing to those who are deployed.
I will even admit that social media can be entertaining.
I recently opened up my social media account to find an entry from my younger brother that made me smile.
It was video footage of a Corsair, my favorite airplane. The simple act of putting on ear buds and turning up the volume to hear the roar of that engine brought a smile to my face.
I have to say that being in the seat and flying at almost 400 mph is the best, but when the weather is turning cold and gray, the video brought back memories of a hot summer day with blue skies and the roar of that engine.

Willoughby hosts fish fry
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, will host a perch dinner 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 16 at the post home.
The all-you-can-eat beer battered fried pollock is $10 and a full menu is always available.
There also will be homemade desserts. For details or questions, call 440-951-9233.

Cabbage and noodles
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville ,will host a cabbage, noodles and kielbasa dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 16, at the post home. For details, call 440-357-7711.

Legion hosts card party
The Auxiliary of American Legion Post 7, 29919 Euclid Ave. in Wickliffe, will host a card party at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Legion Hall. There will be 25 various salads, finger sandwiches, desserts and beverages.
Theme baskets will be available as well as a 50/50 raffle and door prizes.
Tickets are $10 per person. For tickets or further details, call 440-585-0449.

Fall craft show
Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 8548 Madison will host its fall craft show at Stratton Place, 33 E. Main St. in Madison, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 17. For details, call the post at 440-428-3050.

Free concert
Celebrate Freedom Concert will be 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Geauga County Fairgrounds, 14373 North Cheshire St. in Burton. The concert will feature Todd Allen Herendeen, who will perform his signature song “My Name is America.”
All ages are invited and are asked to bring a lawn chair. Admission is free, but a freewill offering will be collected.
For details, call Linda O’Brien at 440-725-2064.

Auxiliary hosts breakfast
The Men’s Auxiliary of VFW Post 8548, 7604 Lake Road E. in Madison, will host a sausage gravy and biscuit breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon, Oct. 18, at the post home.
Breakfast will be $5 per person. For details call the post home at 440-428-3050.

Chardon VFW clambake
Chardon VFW Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host its annual clambake from 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at the post home.
Tickets are $25 per person and $10 for extra clams. Tickets will be sold in advance only until Oct. 18. For information or tickets, call 440-285-3699.

Breakfast benefits veterans in need
American Legion Geauga County Council will host an early bird breakfast benefit for Geauga County veterans in need. The breakfast will be held at Burton American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin Ave. in Burton, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 25.
Tickets will be $10 for an adult breakfast; $5 for children ages 6 through 12; and those younger than age 5 will be served free. Proceeds will benefit those in need who defended our freedom. For details, call 440-635-6390 or 440-313-2095.

Veterans Day celebration 
Celebrate Veterans Day at Historic Kirtland Visitors Center, 7800 Kirtland Chardon Road in Kirtland.
There will be two programs: one at 2 p.m. and another at 7 p.m. Nov. 7.
The programs will consist of a musical tribute with the spoken word for all who have or who are now serving in every branch of the armed forces of the United States.
Refreshments will follow each program. There will be free parking and admission for both programs. For more information, call 440-356-9805.

Setlock homecoming 
A homecoming is being planned for Martha Setlock, newly elected Department of Ohio American Legion Auxiliary president for 2015-2016.
The event will be Nov. 7, at the Croatian Hall, 34900 Lake Shore Blvd. in Eastlake.
Tickets are $35 per person. To order tickets, send checks to Gina Mastronicola, 183 East Overlook Drive, Eastlake, OH 44095. Deadline for reservations is Oct. 23.

Veterans Career Expo
Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland will host a Veterans Career Expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 9. Registration in advance for veterans and veterans’ spouses is encouraged.
All pre-registered vets will receive a list of all companies in attendance along with job summaries and open positions prior to the expo.
For more information or registration, call Josh Collins at 216-898-6102 or joshua.collins@jfs.ohio.gov.

Gunny’s Hall breakfast
Gunny’s Hall Sunday breakfast will be served 9 a.m. to noon each Sunday until Memorial Day.
Breakfast is an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast with special orders available. For details call Gunny’s Hall at 440-974-9380.

To submit items for this column, send them to Larece Galer, The News-Herald, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or email LGaler@News-Herald.com

My idea of fall already has begun.
The perch dinners are being served, the Sunday morning breakfasts are scheduled and I am beginning to see announcements about Veterans Day events. Each home post will honor Veterans Day in a different way.
If the post event will be open to the public, forward the information to me so we can let everyone know what is happening on Nov. 11.

Perch dinners at Fairport post
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor, will serve perch dinners on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Lunch is served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner is served 4 to 7 p.m. The public is welcome. For details, call 440-352-1123.

Chicken paprikash in Euclid
The Auxiliary of Euclid VFW Post 1056, 580 E. 200th St. in Euclid, will serve a chicken paprikash dinner from 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at the post.
For details, call the post at 216-481-3442 or 216-469-6506.

Vendor fair in Willoughby 
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a vendor fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 10 at the post. For details or questions, call the post at 440-942-7762. Proceeds will benefit auxiliary-sanctioned programs.

Legion post marks POW/MIA recognition day
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host an observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the post. For details, call the post at 440-942-7762.

Pop balloons for prizes
A Balloon Night will be hosted Oct. 16 at American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby.
Steak or shrimp dinners are available from 5 to 7:30 p.m. for $12. Call the post after 3 p.m. at 440-942-7762 if you plan to order a dinner. At 7:30 p.m., buy a drink and get a balloon, pop the balloon and win a prize.
The evening also will feature a DJ between 7:30 and 11 p.m.

Fall craft show
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 8548 will host its fall craft show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 17 at Stratton Place, 33 E. Main St. in Madison Village.
Crafts, a bake sale and door prizes will be a part of the event. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Men’s auxiliary hosts breakfast
The Men’s Auxiliary of VFW Post 8548, 7604 Lake Road E. in Madison, will host a sausage gravy and biscuit breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 18 at the post home. Breakfast is $5.
For details, call the post home at 440-428-3050.

Concert celebrates freedom 
The Celebrate Freedom Concert, honoring God, America, Veterans and First Responders, will be 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Geauga County Fairgrounds, 14373 North Cheshire St. in Burton.
Admission is free, but a love offering will be collected. The event will feature Todd Allen Herendeen, who will perform his signature song, “My Name is America,” along with other gospel and patriotic favorites. For details, call Linda O’Brien at 440-725-2064.

Chardon VFW hosts clambake
Chardon VFW Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host the annual clambake from to 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at the post home. The bake is $25 per person and extra clams will be $10 extra. Tickets will be sold until Oct. 18. For tickets or information, call 440-285-3699.

Catholic War Veterans raffle
Catholic War Veterans John Paul II Post 1959 is selling tickets for its reverse raffle on Oct. 24 at the Patrician Party Center, 33150 Lakeland Blvd. in Eastlake.
Tickets are $65 for main board and $35 for an extra dinner ticket. There will be only 175 tickets sold. There will also be a supper raffle for $5,000.
A Chinese auction and DJ also will be part of the evening. An open bar will be available.
For more information and tickets, call Bill Varga at 440-352-2315.

Willoughby post plans casino trip
Willoughby American Legion Post 214 will host a casino bus trip on Oct. 25 to The Rivers in Pittsburgh.
The bus will leave the post parking lot promptly at 8 a.m. and will leave the casino at 6 p.m.
Tickets are $35 per person with $15 slot play. Sign up now. Payment is requested before Oct. 9.
Checks will be held until at least 40 have signed up; there will be 56 seats available. Make check payable to AL Post 214 and forward to Martha Setlock. For details, call 440-951-2227.

Homecoming celebration
A homecoming celebration is planned for Martha Setlock, Department of Ohio, American Legion auxiliary president for 2015-2016. The event will be Nov. 7 at the Croatian Hall, Route 91 and Lake Shore Boulevard in Eastlake.
Tickets are $35 per person. Send checks to Gina Mastronicola, 183 E. Overlook Drive, Eastlake, OH 44095. Reservation deadline is Oct. 23.
Setlock’s special project for the year will be Volunteers of America, Homeless Veterans.

To submit items for this column, send them to Larece Galer, The News-Herald, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or email LGaler@News-Herald.com.

The home of my dreams is up for sale, but unfortunately it is a bit out of my price range.
The three-bedroom, two-bath home is located in Saluda, Virginia, where the home values are a bit higher than they are here in Lake County. The asking price is $395,000.
The home has pocket doors, beautiful highly polished wood floors, and a wonderful staircase in the center hall entry and it sits on 3.37 acres. Did I happen to mention that it was the retirement home of Lt. Gen. Lewis Burwell Puller?
Puller was one of the most famous Marines and was nicknamed “Chesty” because of his proper posture and the chest full of medals earned during his career in the Marine Corps. He was awarded five Navy Crosses, and a Distinguished Service Cross.
The home is the center of a nonprofit group’s efforts through a GoFundMe campaign. The group hopes to purchase the property and turn it into a place for Marines to meet and perhaps find a place to stay for a few days. Puller will still be helping “his” Marines.
Puller has been described as a Marine’s Marine and even today Marines are heard saying, “Goodnight Chesty wherever you are” at the end of the day.

Willoughby post hosts fish fry
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, hosts fish fry dinners on the first and third Friday of the month.
Dinner is served 5 to 8 p.m., and the all-you-can-eat beer batter fried pollock is $10. A full menu is also available. For details, call the post at 440-951-9233.

Madison VFW hosts dinner
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 8548, 7604 Lake Road E. in Madison, will host a cream turkey and biscuits dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at the post. Dinners are $5 each. For details, call the post at 440-428-3050.

Fall service honors veterans
The 13th Annual Fall Veterans Memorial Service will be 12:15 p.m. Oct. 3 in front of Mentor City Hall, 8500 Civic Center Drive in Mentor. Sgt. Major Bryan Battaglia will be the featured speaker.
This event is open to the public and all are welcome. In the event of inclement weather, the service will move inside. For questions or more information, call Joe Lucarelli at 216-235-9011 or Jon Warmeling at 440-350-2570.

Ninth District Homecoming 
American Legion Ninth District will host a homecoming for Commander Kevin Carroll at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 at American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick. The homecoming will be “Margaritaville Style” with barbecue, drinks and music.
Tickets are $20 per person and are sold in advance. For tickets, call Commander Kevin Carroll at 440-567-1847 or Kim Carroll at 440-567-9751.

World War II vets to be guests
VFW Post 4358, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills, will host a celebration and recognition of World War II veterans from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at the post home. Reservations must be in by Oct. 7.
This is an invitation to any WWII veterans and is free for those veterans and their spouse or caregiver. Tickets for additional guests will be sold only if space is available.
This is the post’s way of saying thank you and to let those veterans know they are not forgotten.
To make a reservation, call the post at 440-944-1642 and ask for event chairman Ron Tipton. If he is not available, he will promptly return calls.

Pop balloons for prizes
A Balloon Night will be hosted Oct. 16 at American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center Street in Willoughby.
Steak or shrimp dinners are available from 5 to 7:30 p.m. for $12. Call the post after 3 p.m. at 440-942-7762 if you plan to order a dinner. At 7:30 p.m., buy a drink and get a balloon, pop the balloon and win a prize. The evening will also feature a DJ between 7:30 and 11 p.m.

Fall craft show
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 8548 will host its fall craft show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 17 at Stratton Place, 33 E. Main St. in Madison Village.
Crafts, a bake sale and door prizes will be a part of the event. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Men’s Auxiliary hosts breakfast
The Men’s Auxiliary of VFW Post 8548, 7604 Lake Road E., Madison will host a sausage gravy and biscuit breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 18 at the post home. Breakfast is $5.
For details, call the post home at 440-428-3050.

Concert celebrates Freedom 
Celebrate Freedom Concert, honoring God, America, Veterans and First Responders, will be 4 to 6 p.m., Oct. 18 at the Geauga County Fairgrounds, 14373 North Cheshire St. in Burton.
Admission is free, but a love offering will be collected. The event will feature Todd Allen Herendeen, who will perform his signature song, “My Name is America,” along with other gospel and patriotic favorites. For details, call Linda O’Brien at 440-725-2064.

Catholic War Veterans Reverse Raffle
Catholic War Veterans John Paul II Post 1959 is selling tickets for its reverse raffle on Oct. 24 at the Patrician Party Center, 33150 Lakeland Blvd. in Eastlake.
Tickets are $65 for main board and $35 for an extra dinner ticket. There will be only 175 tickets sold. There will also be a supper raffle for $5,000. A Chinese auction and DJ also will be part of the evening. An open bar will be available.
For more information and tickets, call Bill Varga at 440-352-2315.

Willoughby post plans casino trip
Willoughby American Legion Post 214 will host a casino bus trip on Oct. 25 to The Rivers in Pittsburgh.
The bus will leave the post parking lot promptly at 8 a.m. and will leave the casino at 6 p.m.
Tickets are $35 per person with $15 slot play. Sign up now. Payment is requested before Oct. 9.
Checks will be held until at least 40 have signed up; there will be 56 seats available. Make check payable to AL Post 214 and forward to Martha Setlock. For details, call 440-951-2227.

Homecoming celebration planned
A homecoming celebration is planned for Martha Setlock, Department of Ohio, American Legion auxiliary president for 2015-2016.
The event will be Nov. 7 at the Croatian Hall, Route 91 and Lake Shore Boulevard in Eastlake. Tickets are $35 per person. Send checks to Gina Mastronicola, 183 East Overlook Drive, Eastlake, OH 44095. Reservation deadline is Oct. 23.
Setlock’s special project for the year will be Volunteers of America, Homeless Veterans.

To submit items for this column, send them to Larece Galer, The News-Herald, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or email LGaler@News-Herald.com.

World War II veterans are passing away at an alarming rate. Now in their later 80s to mid-90s, the men and women are the last of the “Greatest Generation.”
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4358 is hosting a celebration of and for these men and women at the post home, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills.
The dinner, slated for Oct. 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., is free for those who are veterans of World War II and for their spouse or caregiver. Reservations are requested by Oct. 7. If you are a veteran of World War II, you are invited to this special thank-you dinner.
To make a reservation, call Ron Tipton at 440-944-1642, if he is not available, he will return your call promptly.

Fish fry dinners return to Fairport Post 7754
VFW Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor, will again be serving fish fry dinners on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Lunch will be served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner will be 4 to 7 p.m.
For details, call 440-352-1123.

Willoughby post plans casino trip
Willoughby American Legion Post 214 will host a casino bus trip on Oct. 25 to The Rivers in Pittsburgh.
The bus will leave the post parking lot promptly at 8 a.m. and will leave the casino at 6 p.m.
Tickets are $35 per person with $15 slot play. Sign up now. Payment is requested before Oct. 9.
Checks will be held until at least 40 have signed up; there will be 56 seats available. Make check payable to AL Post 214 and forward to Martha Setlock. For details, call 440-951-2227.

Catholic War Veterans Reverse Raffle
Catholic War Veterans John Paul II Post 1959 is selling tickets for the Reverse Raffle on Oct. 24 at the Patrician Party Center, 33150 Lakeland Blvd. in Eastlake.
Tickets are $65 for main board and $35 for an extra dinner ticket. There will be only 175 tickets sold. There will also be a Supper Raffle for $5,000. A Chinese auction and DJ also will be part of the evening. An open bar will be available.
For more information and tickets, call Bill Varga at 440-352-2315.

Newbury Legion hosts
pig roast
Newbury American Legion Post 663 and its Auxiliary Unit will host the sixth annual pig roast from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 26 in the Hunter Pavilion behind the post at 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township.
Tickets are $15 at the door or $12 in advance. Call 440-635-6390 or 440-834-1159 for tickets or more information.

Fall service honors
veterans
The 13th Annual Fall Veterans Memorial Service will be 12:15 p.m. Oct. 3 in front of Mentor City Hall, 8500 Civic Center Drive in Mentor. Sgt. Major Bryan Battaglia will be the featured speaker.
This event is open to the public and all are welcome. In the event of inclement weather, the service will move inside. For questions or more information, call Joe Lucarelli at 216-235-9011 or Jon Warmeling at 440-350-2570.

VFW Post 2595 Men’s Auxiliary hosts’ dinner
The VFW Post 2595 Men’s Auxiliary will host a Roman style burgers and fries dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 26 at the post home, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville. Dinners will be $8 per person and is open to the public.
For more information, call 440-254-9090.

Breakfast helps homeless 
The Auxiliary of American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with eggs and sausage from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 27 at the post.
Proceeds will benefit Department of Ohio President Martha Setlock’s special project for homeless veterans. Subzero Mission will be on site to collect new or gently used winter coats, winter gloves and sleeping bags.
For details, call the post at 440-357-7711.

Ninth District Homecoming 
American Legion Ninth District will host a homecoming for Commander Kevin Carroll at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 at American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick. The homecoming will be “Margaritaville Style” with barbecue, drinks and music.
Tickets are $20 per person and are sold in advance. For tickets, call Commander Kevin Carroll at 440-567-1847 or Kim Carroll at 440-567-9751.

Gunny’s Hall annual
clambake
The annual clambake at Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road in Mentor, will be 4 p.m. Oct. 10. The bake is $22 per person and extra clams are $7 per dozen. Only 80 bakes will be offered, so tickets are limited.
To purchase tickets, stop in at Gunny’s Hall. For more information, call 440-974-9380.

To submit items for this column, send them to Larece Galer, The News-Herald, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or email LGaler@News-Herald.com.

Fall has got to be my favorite time of year. The season change brings about the cooler temperatures and the trees change color.
There is a flurry of activity as we put away the summer toys and begin to dig in for the long cold winter. This is also the time of year that begins a blizzard of activities at all of the posts.
Fall is clambake season; on Veterans Day, we remember and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice; and of course it is the time of year that preparations for the Marine Corps Birthday Ball are well underway.
The season’s first event will be the Fall Veterans Memorial Service at 12:15 p.m. Oct. 3 in front of Mentor City Hall, 8500 Civic Center Drive.
This will be the 13th year that the event has taken place to honor all veterans and the families of the fallen.
This year, the special guest will be Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, senior noncommissioned officer in the United States Armed Forces.
The senior enlisted adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff serves as the principal military adviser to the chairman and secretary of defense.
The service is open to the public and is free of charge. For details, contact Joe Lucarelli at 216-235-9011 or at joedevildog624@aol.com or Jon Warmeling at 440-350-2570 or at Jon.Warmeling@lakecountyohio.gov.

Veterans event
Veterans Appreciation Day will be 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 18 at American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville.
This is a celebration for veterans, with food, prizes, benefit information and more.
For more information, contact the Painesville Veterans Affairs Clinic at 440-357-6740.

Operation Sub Zero golf outing
Operation Sub Zero will host a golf outing at Madison Golf and Country Club beginning at 10:30 a.m. Sept.19.
Tickets are $100 per golfer and include 18 holes, cart, goodie bag, lunch, steak dinner, keg beer, Chinese auction and a 50/50 raffle. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and a shotgun start will be at noon.
Hole sponsors and donation of items for the auction would be gratefully accepted. Hole sponsors are $100. For details, contact Del Bethel at del@subzeromission.org.

Painesville Legion offers dinner
The Auxiliary of American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a breaded pork chop dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 19. The dinners will be $9 each and all are welcome.
For details, call the post at 440-357-7711.

Breakfast at Painesville VFW
The Men’s Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a breakfast beginning at 9 a.m. Sept. 20 at the post home. The breakfast will be served until it is gone and is $5 per person.
For details, call 440-354-9090.

Sixth annual post clambake
The sixth annual VFW Post 3863 Ladies Auxiliary clambake will be 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sept. 26 at the post home, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake (behind the Save a Lot store).
Chicken dinner is $21; steak dinner is $23 and an extra dozen clams will be $8.
All tickets must be purchased by Sept. 18 at the post home. For information or further questions, call the post at 440-942-3980.

Newbury Legion hosts pig roast
Newbury American Legion Post 663 and its Auxiliary Unit will host the sixth annual pig roast from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 26 in the Hunter Pavilion behind the post at 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township.
Tickets are $15 at the door or $12 in advance. Call 440-635-6390 or 440-834-1159 for tickets or more information.

Breakfast helps homeless 
The Auxiliary of American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with eggs and sausage from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 27 at the post.
Proceeds will benefit Department of Ohio President Martha Setlock’s special project for homeless veterans. Subzero Mission will be on site to collect new or gently used winter coats, winter gloves and sleeping bags. For details, call the post at 440-357-7711.

World War II vets to be guests
VFW Post 4358, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills, will host a celebration and recognition of World War II veterans from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at the post home. Reservations must be in by Oct. 7.
This is an invitation to any WWII veterans and is free for those veterans and their spouse or caregiver. Tickets for additional guests will be sold only if space is available.
This is the post’s way of saying thank you and to let those veterans know they are not forgotten.
To make a reservation, call the post at 440-944-1642 and ask for event chairman Ron Tipton. If he is not available, he will promptly return calls.

Ninth District Homecoming 
American Legion Ninth District will host a homecoming for Commander Kevin Carroll at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 at American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick. The homecoming will be “Margaritaville Style” with BBQ, drinks and music. Tickets are $20 per person and are sold in advance. For tickets call Commander Kevin Carroll at 440-567-1847 or Kim Carroll for 440-567-9751.

Gunny’s Hall annual clambake
The annual clambake at Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road in Mentor, will be 4 p.m. Oct. 10. The bake is $22 per person and extra clams are $7 per dozen. Only 80 bakes will be offered so tickets are limited.
To purchase tickets stop in at Gunny’s Hall; for more information call 440-974-9380.

Willoughby post hosts fish fry
VFW Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, hosts fish fries on the first and third Friday of the month.
Dinner is served 5 to 8 p.m., the all-you-can-eat beer batter fried pollock is $10. A full menu is also available. For details, call the post at 440-951-9233.

To submit items for this column, send them to Larece Galer, The News-Herald, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or email LGaler@News-Herald.com.