It is the end of June already, where does the time go?
The coming week will bring the Fourth of July with all of the trimmings. This is the holiday when every American celebrates independence from England gained through revolution. Good, bad or otherwise, the country has survived and will continue to survive for years to come.
In my opinion, the country has survived because we all have a voice in what happens to us.
We voice that opinion by voting for our leaders. If we do not like the way things are going, we can vote them out of office. Voting may seem like a small thing to many, but in the grand plan it is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly.
This may seem just a little premature since elections are in November, but a gentle reminder to register to vote and exercise the American right to be heard can never come too early.
The politicians will be asking for that vote, so why not give them what they ask for? Independence always comes with responsibility.

Poppy sale a success
Palmer-Roberts American Legion Auxiliary Unit 214 of Willoughby hosted Poppy Days on four Saturdays in May at the Willoughby Farmers Market.
The Auxiliary Unit table was set with poppies, membership applications and other American Legion Auxiliary brochures and patriotic wrapped candy. On the first Saturday, Willoughby Mayor David Anderson stopped by, donated to the fund and got poppies for his staff to wear in the Memorial Day parade.
The unit had a very profitable month at the market, and the money raised will help veterans. Poppy funds can only be used to assist veterans, with much of the money helping to support the Veterans Affairs hospitals, as well as hospitalized and homeless veterans.

Geauga Honor Guard always available
Geauga County residents have an honor guard available to perform full military funeral services for any service man or woman.
The Honor Guard, led by Sgt. at Arms Newell Beaumier, is available with a few days notice, and most local funeral directors are aware of the group’s existence. For information or details, call Bo at 440-834-8764. Please leave a message if there’s no answer.

Texas Hold’em to benefit Young Marines Trip
A Texas Hold’em Benefit begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Jefferson Eagles, 133 S. Spruce St. in Jefferson.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the tournament begins at 6. There will be a $55 buy-in and a 75 percent payout. Hot dogs and chips will be provided pre-games and post-games. The Eagles Club bar will be open to tournament players.
All proceeds will benefit the Ashtabula County Young Marines’ trip to Washington, D.C. For details, call Doc Lee at 440-275-1079.

Auxiliary hosts Chinese Auction
A Chinese auction sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 7 at the post home. Doors will open at 11 a.m. For details, call 440-285-3699.

Airplanes gather again at Lost Nation
The United States Aviation Museum will sponsor Gathering of Eagles XVI July 14 and 15 at Willoughby Lost Nation Airport. Get close to the machines that protected our freedom and talk with some of the pilots and crew who flew them.
The event is $12 for adults; $6 for children ages 4 through 12 and children younger than 4 will be admitted free. For details, call 440-759-4148 or visit www.usam.us.

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.