Many of you may remember the Tot’N Teens shoe store at Shoregate in Willowick, I know I do. Shoregate was a regular stop for school supplies.
Donald Arnold was the owner of the Tot’N Teens shoe store. I have to admit that while getting my new school shoes, I did not know that Mr. Arnold was a World War II veteran or that he had been wounded. I remember the store and the nice man who fitted my shoes while talking to my mother and grandmother as though he had known them for years.
In those days the shopping center did have one large department store — Federal Department store on the eastern end — plus a number of small specialty stores for clothes, school supplies and whatever else would be necessary for school.
On Monday, Pfc. Arnold, a combat medic with the 97th Infantry Division, was awarded eight replacement medals, including Silver and Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart he earned for wounds received while administering aid to other wounded on April 14, 1945.
He recovered from his wounds and went on to serve with the occupation forces in Japan. He was discharged in 1946.
The replacement medals and the Purple Heart were awarded to Pfc. Arnold at Wiggins Place Assisted Living Facility-Menorah Park in Beachwood, where Arnold is a resident.
Presenting the awards were U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio; Rimantas “Ray” Saikus, president of the Joint Veterans Commission of Cuyahoga County; and Paul Suscinski, commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 699.
Legion post offers dinner before party
American Legion Post 336 Ladies Auxiliary will offer a cabbage roll dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the post home, 60 Chester St. in Painesville.
Stop in on your way to Party in the Park for dinner. Dinners are $8 and carryout will be available. For details, call 440-357-7711
Post to celebrate 90th birthday
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will celebrate the 90th birthday of the post.
The weekend will kick off with band night, featuring Area 51, from 7 to 11 p.m. today. Saturday will feature an afternoon family picnic beginning at 2 p.m. with food and games, while a special appearance by Jungle Terry is set for at 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, the party begins at 1 p.m. with food, music and raffle for a 50cc mini chopper. Raffle tickets are $5 each. Proceeds will benefit the Lance Cpl. David R. Baker Scholarship Fund. For details, call 440-428-7893.
VFW parties in the park
Painesville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2595 will again host a booth at Painesville Party in the Park from Friday through Sunday.
The post will have information about the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary program available. There will be a drawing for a flag set and membership information for all of the VFW, Auxiliary and Juniors units. Membership for any active eligible serviceman or woman is free.
This year, a second year’s membership will be free for any eligible veteran or Ladies Auxiliary member joining at Party in the Park. Call Jill or George Householder at 440-352-9522 for details.
Christmas party set for Sunday
Pickle Bill’s will present a little bit of Christmas cheer in the summertime with IslandFest 2012 a fundraiser for Toys for Tots from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Stop in and help make Christmas a joyous time for a tot. There will be auctions, games and prizes. The event is sponsored by the Lake County Toys for Tots Committee and the Col. Justice M. Chambers Detachment 555 of the Marine Corps League. For details, call 440-974-9380.
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