The second annual Military Commitment Ceremony at Mentor High School will be 9:30 a.m. May 7 at the school. This ceremony is a community event and the public is invited.
I have often wondered why schools had not done this before, as these young men and women are volunteering for duty with one of the United States armed forces. They will become part of a team and should be recognized for their decision to join the military.
Mentor Schools Superintendent Matthew Miller has done just that with these recognition ceremonies. Miller has worked with both the American Legion Post 352 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9295 to make the military signing ceremonies a reality.
At a recent school board meeting, Miller was recognized by American Legion 352 for his efforts with a presentation of a flag and a plaque. American Legion 352 Cmdr. Doug Koman made the presentation.
All students who decide to join the military after graduation should be recognized when they sign on with one of Uncle Sam’s teams.

Korean War veterans asked to share their stories
Korean War veterans from Willowick are wanted. The veterans are asked to share stories about their time in the service with eighth-graders at Willowick Middle School.
Please call the mayor’s office at 440-585-3700 if you would like to participate in this project.

Museum offers 2 for 1
Yankee Air Museum is offering a special Flight Experience (FLEX) recognition opportunity while its two bombers are in Youngstown preparing for the Thunder over the Valley Air Show.
Yankee Air Museum will give a World War II veteran a free ride on the B-17 Yankee Lady or the B-25 Yankee Warrior when a paid rider accompanies them. This special two-for-one pricing is effective for one seat on the B-25 and one seat on the B-17 for each full FLEX flight the airplanes take on May 16. This offer is extended on a first-come, firs-served basis.
Visit the yankeeairmuseum.org website to learn more about the museum or call Vince Caruso at 330-592-0316.

Summer equipment raffle at Willoughby Post
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, is hosting a raffle for a Weber grill, grilling tools, two bottles of wine and a gift certificate for steaks.
This is a $500 value. Tickets are six for $5 and the drawing will be at 1 p.m. on Memorial Day. The winner need not be present to win. Tickets are available at the post home or by calling 440-942-7762.

Men’s auxiliary hosts Easter breakfast
The VFW Post 854 Men’s Auxiliary, 7604 Lake Road E. in Madison Township, will host an Easter breakfast for families from 8 a.m. to noon April 20 at the post. The adult breakfast will be $5 and breakfast for children ages 10 and younger will be $3.50. Proceeds will benefit the local food bank and the scholarship fund. For details, call the post home at 440-428-4467.

Vendor, craft and garage sale at Willowick post
American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick, will host a vendor, craft and garage sale in the social hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 26. Proceeds collected will benefit the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Charities. To reserve a table, call 440-943-9659 or 216-408-6284.

Ladies Auxiliary hosts spaghetti dinner
VFW Post 4358 Ladies Auxiliary, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills, will host an all-you-eat spaghetti dinner from 3 to 5 p.m. May 4 at the post home. The dinner will benefit the Ladies Auxiliary. For reservations, call Rosina Drenski at 440-944-4903 or the post home at 440-944-1642. The public is welcome.

Red Day helps veterans 
Keller Williams Realty will host a Red Day of Caring on May 8. As a part of KW Cares, the Northeast Ohio Keller Williams Realty agents will put their appreciation into action by doing exterior work on the homes and yard of veterans in need in the area. If you would like to volunteer or help, call Mike Schneithorst at 440-728-0024.

Burton Legion hosts Community Garage Sale
Vendors are needed for the Community Garage Sale at the American Legion Hall, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton. The sale will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 17. For details or information, call Mike Karlinsky at 440-286-1202.

7th annual Run for the River in May
The Disabled American Veterans Chapter 42 7th Annual Run for the River sponsored by V-Twin Cruiser MC will be 9 a.m. May 17. The run will begin at Western Reserve Harley Davidson, 8567 Tyler Blvd. in Mentor and will end at the Wagon Wheel in Madison. Tickets in advance are $8 and tickets the day of the run are $10 per bike. Proceeds will benefit Greater Cleveland Fisher House and DAV Chapter 42. For tickets, call Mandi Thompson at 440-382-6818.

Newbury Post hosts community farmers market
Newbury American Legion Post 663, 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township, will host a Community Farmers Market from June 21 through Sept. 13.
The market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the pavilion and tables will be provided. Daily fee will be $5.
Acceptable items are garden produce, fresh baked goods, collectibles, curios, antiques and homemade crafts. To reserve a table, call 440-567-9061 or email bob810@windstream.net

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.