New members are wanted for the Forty and Eight of Lake County.

The organization is named for the small boxcars used in France during World War I to transport men and horses to the front. The cars were large enough to carry 40 men or eight horses. The narrow-gauge railroad cars carried about half of what American rail cars could carry.

The organization concentrates on projects such as child welfare programs, youth sports, Americanism and nurses training.

Once a part of the American Legion, the 40/8 is now an independent organization and accepting members who are honorably discharged veterans. The group has lost members through attrition and relocation. If you are an honorably discharged veteran who would like to be involved in charitable activities, call Joe Milmont at 440-275-1249; Amos Bartrug at 440-812-3396 or Bill Smith at 440-585-9682 for information. 

Blue Star program

The Lake County History Center Museum and Village is one of 1,300 Blue Star Museums that can be found around the country. A Blue Star Museum offers free admission to museums for all active-duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Free admission is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card. Only active duty military and up to five immediate family members (spouse or child) with these cards can be admitted free.

For details, visit Bluestarmuseums.gov or call Karen Sawitke at 440-639-2945. 

Marine Week Cleveland

The United States Marine Corps has partnered with the city of Cleveland to bring Marine Week to Cleveland.

Marine Week, which runs through Sunday, is a celebration of community, country and Corps, and provides the unique experience to directly connect the American public and the Marines.

Free and open to the public, all Marine Week events will honor and recognize Marines, including those from Northeast Ohio, for their service and sacrifice. For additional Marine Week information visit www.Marines.mil/MarineWeek.

Chardon Post hosts Annual Dice Run

Chardon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host the Sixth Annual Dice Run, with the first bike out at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Tickets are $10 a bike and $5 per passenger. There will be four stops and food provided; maps will be available at sign in. for details call 440-285-3699. 

Legion Riders to host flea market

American Legion Riders Madison Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host a flea market from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the post. Setup is at 8 a.m. and tear down at 5 p.m. Clean out the attic, garage, and basement. Cost for one table is $10 or two tables for $15. Meals will be available for purchase.

For table space, call Bernie at 440-463-8701 or Tom at 440-724-6871. Proceeds will benefit local veterans in need. 

Men’s Auxiliary hosts breakfast

The Men’s Auxiliary of VFW 8548, 7604 Lake Road E. in Madison Township, will host a sausage gravy and biscuit breakfast 5 a.m. to noon Sunday. The breakfast will benefit the Men’s Auxiliary and will be $5 for adults and $3.50 for children. For details, call the post at 440-428-3050.

Legion golf outing aids scholarships

Mentor American Legion Post 352 will host a golf outing June 30 at Black Brook Golf Course in Mentor. The post is looking for sponsors. Sponsorship supports the Lake Erie Scholarship for Veterans and other student and youth activities. The sponsorship also promotes businesses. Hole sponsorships are $100.

For details about sponsorship opportunities, call Bob Zonneville at 440-257-6448 or Doug Koman at 440-257-9077. 

Texas Hold’em event

The Ashtabula County Young Marines will host a Texas Hold’em at the Jefferson Eagles, 133 S. Spruce St. in Jefferson, at 6 p.m. June 30.

Doors will open at 5 p.m. The cost is a $55 buy-in and a 75 percent payout. Hot dogs and chips will be provided before and after the games. Come out and play to support the Ashtabula County Young Marines. For more information, visit www.acyoungmarines.com

Picnic table raffle for Wounded Warriors

Men from Middlefield and Middlefield United Methodist Church have come together to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. The men have built a patriotic-themed picnic table that will be raffled off during this year’s Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks at the Geauga County Fairgrounds.

For details, call 440-632-0480. 

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