The space above Arabica in Willoughby eventually will become a Freedom Hall or Liberty Hall if owner Kenny Godnavec has his way. The empty rooms echo history, the long windows reminiscent of a time past.
But to achieve the concept that Godnavec has in mind, he needs the community’s help. The second floor of the building that houses the Arabica Coffee House stands at 4148 Erie St. and Godnavec hopes the upper level will become a hall full of photos honoring military personnel who are currently serving or have served.
“I appreciate what the veterans have done,” Godnavec said. “It is one group we should be honoring.”
His father was an Army veteran of World War II and never really talked about his experiences while overseas. Godnavec is asking that families honor their loved ones by submitting a photograph, a small story about the veteran and mementos, if they wish.
“They will all be displayed,” Godnavec said. “It is time we stand up and honor these people.”
He eventually hopes to open the upper floor of the building to families with children, so the young can learn what the veterans have done to protect the rights we all cherish.
“It’s a labor of love and I will take my time,” Godnavec said.
Those who would like to submit a photo of a loved one can scan and email photos with a short story and Godnavec will frame them. Email information to kennygodnavec@yahoo.com; photos and stories can be dropped off or mailed to the Arabica to the attention of Kenny Godnavec, 4148 Erie St., Willoughby, OH 44094; or call him direct at 440-749-3423.

Movie ‘Memphis Belle’ lands at Lakefront
The Liberty Foundation 2014 Salute to Veterans tour will arrive at Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland on Aug. 4. On display will be the “Memphis Belle” — a restored B-17 that portrayed the original “flying fortress” in a 1990 movie.
The aircraft will be open to the public and available for flights and ground tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 9 and 10. Public flights will begin in the morning and ground tours will be in the afternoon.
This is only one of 13 B-17s that still fly today. A B-17 flight experience takes 45 minutes with approximately 30 minutes in flight. B-17 flights are $410 for Liberty Foundation members and $450 for nonmembers. Passengers can become foundation members for $40 and receive the member discount for family and friends.

Eastlake VFW hosts garage sale
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake, will host a garage sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 9 at the post home. Inside tables are available for $15 and outside spaces will be $5. (You supply the table.) Call Kellie at the post home to reserve a table at 440-942-3980.

GI coffee and donuts
GI get together with coffee and doughnuts will be 8 a.m. to noon Aug. 9 at American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton.
For details, call Frank at 440-834-8038.

Ladies Auxiliary hosts Chinese auction
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host a Chinese auction from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 9 at the post home. All are welcome. For details. call the post home at 440-285-3699.

Burton steak roast canceled
The Aug. 16 steak roast at American Legion Post 459 in Burton has been cancelled. For details, call the post home at 440-563-8715.

D-Day re-enactment in Conneaut
D-Day Conneaut will return Aug. 22-23 to Conneaut Township Park to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.
The event is free and open to the public.
Conneaut Township Park is located off of Interstate 90 (Exit 241) halfway between Cleveland and Erie. The event offers free parking and shuttles. For details, visit www.ddayohio.us.
Willoughby post offers fish fry dinners
VFW Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, hosts a fish fry from 5 to 8 p.m. every first and third Friday of the month. A full menu is offered. For details, call 440-951-9233 or stop in at the post for a meal.

Academy parents seek sponsors
The Northeast Ohio Air Force Academy Parents Association, a volunteer, tax-exempt organization, will be hosting this year’s 37th Annual All Service Academy Ball for Northeast Ohio.
The ball honors Northeast Ohio’s young men and women who are serving our nation and attending one of the five service academies. This ball will host an anticipated 50 cadets and midshipmen with their escorts at the MAPS (Museum of Aviation Preservation Society) in North Canton on Dec. 27.
Companies are asked to help deliver a memorable evening by providing support in the form of a cash donation or by donating goods or services. For details, please contact Traci Hill at 724-699-5523 or at traci.hill@yahoo.com.

AMVETS feature patty melts on menu
AMVETS Post 109, Sons of AMVETS, 7847 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake will serve patty melts on Aug. 1 between 5 and 8 p.m. at the post home.
Several choices of patty melts will be available and will include fresh cut garlic fries. Prices start at $7.
The meal is open to the public. For details, call 440-257-9217.

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.