The fact that this country has deployed personnel all over the world brings to mind the USO and the care packages that were so popular only a short time ago.
The deployed service personnel need to know that the American people support their efforts and that they have not been forgotten. Small snack packs and treats, DVDs, pocket games and personal care items are all a welcome respite from the challenges of being deployed.
The Craft and Antique Co-Op at 1871 North Ridge Road in Painesville has continually collected treats and personal items for our country’s deployed armed forces personnel. The co-op actively participates in fundraisers for the USO and for Fisher House, a home away from home for families of service personnel being treated at the Cleveland Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cleveland.
Please remember we still have soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines serving around the world and small comforts of home make deployment a bit more bearable.

Fairport fish fry meals 
are back
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor, will begin serving fish fry lunch and dinners Sept. 12 at the post home.
Lunch will be served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. For details, call the post at 440-352-1123.

Scholarship fund raiser 
at Fairport VFW
A fundraiser for the Shannon McBride Scholarship endowment at Lakeland Community College (Jim McBride basic police academy scholarship; Fairport Harbor Police Association and CPD Pipes and Drums Band Uniform Fund) will be 6 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Fairport Harbor VFW, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor.
The event will include country and western bands and the Cleveland Police Pipes and Drums. Tickets are $20 per person. See Jim McBride or Fairport Harbor Police Chief Mark Kish for tickets or email chiefjtm@aol.com

9/11 Remembrance day
VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a 9/11 Remembrance, POW/MIA Recognition and Flag Retirement Program at the post home at 6 p.m. Sept. 14. The public is welcome. For details, call George or Jill Householder at 440-352-9522.

Free veterans dinner
A veterans hospitality dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Sept. 17 at Old South Church, 9802 Chillicothe Road in Kirtland. This is a family event to bring area veterans together in appreciation of their service.
The dinner and dessert are free, and family and friends are welcome. There will be activities for children.
Please re-register to assure adequate food at ghostriderfoundation@gmail.com

Civil Air Patrol serves 
spaghetti dinner
Painesville Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 252 will host a spaghetti dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Sept. 20 at American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville. The public is welcome.
Proceeds will benefit civil Air Patrol programs. For details, call Ken Voyticky at 440-655-6600.

Marine recruiters appear 
at Lake County Speedway
United States Marine Corps recruiters will be at the Lake County Speedway when the track hosts National POW/MIA Recognition night at the races Sept. 20 at the track, located at 500 Fairport Nursery Road in Painesville. Gates will open at 4 p.m. and racing begins at 6.

Veterans Appreciation Day 
A Veterans Appreciation Day is planned for Sept. 26 at American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville. The event, to be hosted by the Painesville VA Clinic, will include prizes, food, guests, a color guard, benefit information and flu shots. All veterans are welcome.
For details, call the Painesville VA Clinic at 440-357-6740.

Annual Rock-A-Thon 
in Perry
The 18th Annual Rock-A-Thon to benefit the Hospice of the Western Reserve Peaceful and Proud Program will be Sept. 27, in front of the Perry AMVETS Post 11971, 4129 Main St. in Perry.
The post is looking for sponsors and rockers for the event. For details, call 440-259-4242.

Clambake season
Col. Justice M. Chambers Marine Corps League will host a clambake at Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road in Mentor on Sept. 13; reservations are needed by Sept. 6.
The bake will begin at 3 p.m. and offer side boards and a 50/50 raffle. Dinner will be served at 4 p.m. Dinners are $28 per bake and extra clams will be $7.
For reservations, call 440-974-9380.
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host its annual clambake beginning at 5 p.m. Sept. 20. Tickets are $23 for a bake with chicken; $25 for a bake with steak ;and extra clams will be $7 per dozen. Music will be by Dan Elish from 7 to 11 p.m.
The last day to buy tickets will be Sept. 15. All proceeds benefit the building fund. For details, call the post home at 440-428-7893.
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host its annual clambake 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the post home.
Tickets must be purchased by Sept. 18. Tickets are $24 bake with steak; $22 bake with chicken; and extra clams will be $8 per dozen. The event will feature side boards, 50/50 raffle and cornhole. Call the post at 440-942-7762 after 3 p.m. for details.
VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a clambake at 4 p.m. Oct. 4 at the post.
Dinner will be $21 and extra clams will be $6 per dozen. Dinners must be paid for in advance and orders are needed by Sept. 27. For details, call 440-867-8145.
The Ladies Auxiliary Unit of VFW Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in  Eastlake, will host a clambake from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at the post home.
Tickets must be purchased by Sept. 29 and may be obtained at the post. Ticket prices are $20 bake with chicken; $23 bake with steak; and extra clams will be $8 per dozen. For information or questions, call the post at 440-943-3980 or Jera at 440-477-8301.

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.