The Buckeye Boys State and Buckeye Girls State events are an opportunity for high school students to learn about the rights, privileges and responsibilities of each citizen.
The training is objective and centered on the structure of government in this country. The events have been sponsored by the American Legion since the 1930s. Each post sponsors students from their post home area for the week long, hands-on government experience.
American Legion Post 352 of Mentor recognized the delegates to the 2013 Buckeye Boys and Girls states, as well as the high test scorers of the 2013 Americanism and Government Test at a dinner Jan. 18 at the post home in Mentor.
The delegates to the Buckeye State event were Kristin Hermann of Mentor High School and Annie Skoch, Charles Seacrist, Sean Manning and Luke Grgic from Lake Catholic High School.
The 2013 Americanism and Government Test is given to grades 10 through 12 and winners are selected by a Department of Ohio judging panel. Each test is scored against a standardized answer sheet and in the event of a tie, the 300-word essay question that is a part of the test is used as a tie breaker. Each state winner receives a scholarship. The 2013 Americanism and Government Test winners from American Legion Post 352 were:
Mentor High School: Vishnu Nistala, Tim Cundy, Joseph Mrowca and Michaela Judy.
Mentor Christian School: Kal Krivoy, Abigail Lyon, Mikey Suba, Brook Seitz, David Osredkar and Ashley Waller.
Lake Catholic High School: Natalie Jernejcic, Anthony Laricca, Olivia Shero, Zachary Folino and Ashley Buzzanca.

Dedicated veteran housing at Hiram College
Hiram College hosted a re-dedication ceremony of on-campus dedicated veteran housing, known as Freedom Center at Henry Hall, on Wednesday. The ceremony was a part of the Patriot Development Group’s efforts to attract post-9/11 veterans to the campus.
The group helps veterans earn a four-year degree in three years by proving dorm rooms, meals, tuition and books. The veteran must be honorably discharged and GI Bill eligible. The veteran also must have carried at least a 2.5 grade-point average from high school or college.
For details about the Patriot Development Group, call Hiram DeJesus,  at 440-785-3234 or email  info@patriotdevelopmentgroup.com.

Post 214 to host big game party
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a Super Bowl party beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday at the post home. Food served will be beef chili, a taco bar, sub sandwich, potato salad and pasta salad. Tickets are $12 and includes one free drink per person. Registration is requested by calling 440-942-7762 after 3 p.m.

50s/60s Dance at Wickliffe Legion 
American Legion Post 7, 29919 Euclid Ave. in Wickliffe, will once again host the Knights of Columbus annual 50s/60s dance beginning at 6 p.m. Feb. 8 at the post home. Tickets are $10 per person or $15 per couple.
The evening will include special prices on hot dogs, hamburgers and french fries. For more details or tickets, call Jose Rivera at 216-355-4633.

Ladies Auxiliary hosts annual Chinese auction
The Ladies Auxiliary of AMVETS Post 109, 7847 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake, will host a Chinese auction and dinner Feb. 15 at the post home. Dinner will be served 5 to 7 p.m. followed by the auction. Tickets are $15 per person or two for $25. Only 100 tickets will be sold. For tickets or more information, call the post home at 440-257-9217.

Valentine Dinner Dance at Marine Corps League
Col. Justice M. Chambers Detachment 555 of the Marine Corps League, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, will host a Valentine Dinner Dance beginning at 5 p.m. Feb. 15 at Gunny’s Hall. The menu will include three choices of entree: prime rib, shrimp and chicken sauté, or lasagna. Ticket prices are dependent upon entrée choice. For details or reservations, call 440-974-9380.

Annual Iwo Jima Remembrance Mass
The Annual Iwo Jima Remembrance Mass will be 8 a.m. Feb. 19 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 7575 Bellflower Road in Mentor. The public is welcome to attend. For information, call Art Holan at 440-951-6432.

Boulevard of 500 Flags fundraiser
A fundraiser for Boulevard of 500 Flags will be 6 to 11 p.m. Feb. 21, at Patrician Party Center, 33150 Lakeland Blvd. in Eastlake. Tickets are $30 per person of $55 per couple.
The evening will feature dinner, Chinese auction, door prizes, side boards and a 50/50 raffle.
For tickets or information, call Ed Doherty at 440-796-5047; Dennis Morley at 440-951-3934 or Joe D’Ambrosio at 440-946-4861.

Madison Legion Post hosts Saturday Lucky Shoots
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, continues Lucky Shoots on Saturdays through March 15. Sign-ups start at 9 a.m. and breakfast for shooters will be $2.50. Breakfast for everyone else will be $5. For details, call the post home at 440-428-7893.

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.

Singing the national anthem at public events should not be a part of the entertainment. Let me explain why I say this.
I spend a good deal of time at my sewing machine on the weekends and even though I am in a different room, I can hear the sports broadcasts on the TV in the den. Hearing “The Star Spangled Banner” four or five times in the span of a weekend is not unusual at my house.
In the past few weeks, I have noticed performers singing the national anthem attempting to “make it their own.” Stop it.
It is not a song to play with. It is the national anthem — sing it the way it is written. If you want to perform, then do it at halftime when it is expected and stop changing the anthem. It is disrespectful and rude.
As for those in the audience: Stand up, take your hats off and place your hand over your heart. It is not that difficult to show some respect for a few minutes.

Fish fry Friday in Fairport
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor, hosts fish fry dinners every second and fourth Friday of the month. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinners from 4 to 7 p.m.
The public is welcome. For details, call the post at 440-352-1123.

Veterans ID cards available at Recorder’s Office
The Lake County Recorder’s Office, 105 Main St. in Painesville, will continue to issue Veteran ID cards between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Veterans wishing to obtain their official photo ID card need to bring a legible original DD-214 and a photo ID with them to the office. For questions or more details, call 440-350-2510.

Cabbage roll dinner at Painesville VFW
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a cabbage roll dinner beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday at the post home. Donation is $6 per meal. For details, call the post home at 440-354-9090.

Burton post serves up breakfast
Atwood-Mauck American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a pancakes and sausage breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the post home. The adult breakfast will be $8; for children ages 12 and younger, the breakfast will be $5. For details, call Bo at 440-834-8765.

Willoughby Legion hosts Super Bowl party
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a Super Bowl party beginning at 6 p.m. Feb. 2. Tickets are $12 per person. Call 440-942-7762 after 3 p.m. to make a reservation.

Fifties dance at Wickliffe post
American Legion Post 7, 29919 Euclid Ave. in Wickliffe, will once again be the site for the Knights of Columbus’ 50s/60s dance. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Feb. 8. Food available will be $1 hot dogs and $2 hamburgers. The evening will include door prizes and a 50-inch TV giveaway. Tickets are $10 per person or $15 per couple. For information, call 216-355-4633.

Rolling Thunder offers valentine wishes
Rolling Thunder Chapter 1 will be visiting the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Feb. 9. The group will be visiting veterans with items related to Valentine’s Day. These visits are great morale boosters for the veteran patients. Stay tuned for more details about the visit.

Ladies host Chinese Auction and dinner
AMVETS Post 109, Ladies Auxiliary, 7847 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake, will host a Chinese auction and dinner Feb. 15 at the post home. Dinner will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by the auction. Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple. Only 100 tickets will be sold. Dinner will include steak, potatoes, green beans, roll, salad and eclairs. For details, call the post at 440-257-9217.

Mass remembers Iwo Jima veterans
The annual Iwo Jima Remembrance Mass will be 8 a.m. Feb. 19 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 7575 Bellflower Road in Mentor. The Mass is open to the public. For details, call Art Holan at 440-951-6432.

Fundraiser for Boulevard of Flags
A Boulevard of 500 Flags fundraiser will be 6 to 11 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Patrician Party Center, 33150 Lakeland Blvd. in Eastlake.
Tickets will be $30 per person or $55 per couple. Children ages 12 and younger will be admitted for $15. Proceeds benefit the Boulevard of Flags in Eastlake. For tickets, call Ed Doherty at 440-796-5047 or Dennis Morley at 440-951-3934 or Joe D’Ambrosio at 440-946-4861.

Abbey Rodeo appears at Willoughby VFW
Willoughby VFW Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, will present its fifth annual fundraising dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. March 22 at the post. The evening begins with a spaghetti dinner, followed with entertainment by Abbey Rodeo. Proceeds from the event benefit “The Littlest Heroes”, VFW charities and local veterans in need.
Tickets are $18 per person. Because of advance ticket sales, tickets may not be available the night of the event. For tickets, call the post home at 440-951-9233.

Honor Flight now accepting applications
Are you a World War II veteran who would like to go to Washington, D.C., to see your memorial at no cost? Honor Flight Cleveland is now accepting applications for the 2014 flying year. This year, flights will begin on May 21. Applications need to be sent to Honor Flight Cleveland, 37 Levan Drive, Painesville, OH 44077. Applications can be found at www.HonorFlightCleveland.com or by calling 440-639-9368.

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.

Operation STAT volunteers who distributed Christmas stockings to patients at the Wade Park Louis Stokes VA Hospital during the holidays. Among the volunteers are members of the Eastlake North High School football team. The young men not only helped stuff stockings at American Legion Post 678, a group of the players also showed up at the VA Medical Center to assist with delivery of the stockings. 

The Armed Forces Veteran ID Card will be available at the Lake County Recorder’s Office beginning today.
The ongoing program will offer Lake County veterans the opportunity to receive a card that will show area businesses that they are honorably discharged and eligible to receive discounts offered by those businesses.
Veterans wishing to obtain a card can do so between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Lake County Recorder’s Office. To apply for the card, the veterans need to bring an original honorable discharge (DD-214) or if they have already recorded the discharge at the office, please bring a copy.
Many veterans in Lake County do not receive benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nor are they members of any Veterans of Foreign Wars post, the American Legion or other veteran organizations. The Armed Forces Veteran ID is about the size of a driver’s license and will identify the veteran as one who earned an honorable discharge for serving our country.

Saturday Lucky Shoots are back
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host Lucky Shoots every Saturday through March 15. Sign-ups will begin at 9 a.m. and breakfast will be served. A shooters breakfast will be $2.50 and for everyone else, breakfast is $5. For details, call 440-428-7893.

Post expands menu
VFW Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, serves a fish fry dinner every first and third Friday of the month. A variety of fish is available and there are menu items for those who do not eat fish.
Beginning today, an all-you-can-eat pollock dinner will be $10 and includes potato and cole slaw. Drink prices are reasonable and the Ladies Auxiliary offers homemade baked goods at small prices. For details, call 440-951-9233. This post also has a hall available for rent.

Catholic War Veterans national membership drive
The Catholic War Veterans of the USA will host a national new member recruitment drive after all Masses Saturday and Sunday, including all of the Catholic churches in Lake County. Those eligible to join must be practicing Catholics, honorably discharged veterans or an active duty members of any of the branches of the United States armed forces.
Applications and information will be available after each of the Masses. This organization was established to promote zeal and devotion for God, for country and for home. For details call Ken Kirchner, second vice commander, at 440-257-2156.

Willoughby Post hosts chili cook-off
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will have a chili cook-off from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The Sons of the American Legion will host the cook-off. Call the post home for details at 440-942-7762 after 3 p.m.

Astronaut to appear at museum
Spend Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday at the Women’s International Air and Space Museum at Burke Lakefront Airport, 1501 North Marginal Road in Cleveland. Astronaut Stephanie Wilson will present a talk and sign autographs beginning at 1 p.m.
This event is for people of all ages and open to anyone who is interested. Please RSVP so there are enough chairs for everyone’s comfort. To register, please call 216-623-1111.

Geauga County Council hosts spaghetti dinner
Atwood-Mauck Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host the Geauga County Council Spaghetti and Meatball dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the post home. Tickets are $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and $5 for children ages 5 and younger. For details, call Bo at 440-834-8765.

50’s/60’s Dance makes a return
Knights of Columbus will host a 50’s/60’s dance beginning at 6 p.m. Feb. 8 at the post home, 29919 Euclid Ave. in Wickliffe. The event will include $1 hot dogs, $2 hamburgers and $1.50 french fries. There will be door prizes and a raffle for a 50-inch screen television. For more details, call Jose at 216-355-4633.

Iwo Jima remembrance mass Feb. 19
The annual Iwo Jima Remembrance Mass will be 8 a.m. Feb. 19 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 7575 Bellflower Road in Mentor. For details, call Art Holan at 440-951-6432.

Fundraiser for Boulevard of 500 Flags
The Boulevard of 500 Flags committee will host a fundraiser from 6 to 11 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Patrician Party Center, 33150 Lakeland Blvd. in Eastlake. Tickets are $30 per person or $55 per couple. Children under age 12 will be admitted for $15.
Proceeds will benefit the maintenance of the Boulevard of Flags adjacent to Eastlake City Hall. For details or tickets, visit Eastlake City Hall; call Ed Doherty at 440-796-5047; Dennis Morley at 440-951-3934 or Joe D’Ambrosio at 440-946-4861.

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.

The deep freeze that consumed Northeast Ohio is thawing, and better weather is sure to be close. For those who like to make their dollars count, there are a good many posts and detachments in the area that serve meals all weekend.
These meals are normally staffed by volunteers, with proceeds benefiting one of the post groups. The funds could be for the membership to defray a repair cost; for the auxiliary for holiday food baskets or for the color guard unit for uniforms, rifles or flags.
I have been to many of these meals; I can tell you that I have never been disappointed in the amount of food served, the quality or the price. This is a win-win for all concerned, a night out for the single or couple, needed funding dollars for the group waiting on tables and a chance to check out the posts and detachments in the area, just in case you are thinking of becoming a member of a post.
The money spent on this night out will be used for any number of projects in the post home and help to continue the work done by each of the posts in the area.
One local auxiliary touched many local lives with their hard work. The auxiliary donated food baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas; hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for veterans at the Veterans Affairs Clinic and those veterans who are less fortunate; adopted a mother and her three children from the Forbes House shelter for domestic violence victims; donated warming items for homeless veterans; and collected hats and gloves that were donated to Hope Chest in Painesville.

Veteran ID cards coming to Lake County
Lake County Veterans ID Cards will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 17 in the basement conference room of the Lake County Administration Building, 105 Main St. in Painesville.
Veterans need to bring their original honorable (DD-214) discharge and a photo ID. There will be a $1 charge to offset the cost of the card.
For details, call the Lake County Recorder’s Office at (440) 350-2510.

Willoughby post still serving fish fry dinners
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, holds fish fry dinners on the first and third Fridays of each month until Lent. The menu also offers nonfish items for those who do not like fish. Reasonable drink prices and a homemade dessert table is also part of the fare. For details about the dinners, call the post at 440-951-9233.

American Legion Post 112 offers Saturday Lucky Shoots until March
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will offer Lucky Shoots each Saturday, starting this week through March 15. Sign-ups will begin at 9 a.m. and breakfast for shooters will be $2.50 or $5 for nonshooters.
For details, call the post home at 440-428-7893.

Fish fry in Fairport Harbor
VFW Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor, hosts fish fry dinners every second and fourth Friday of the month. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinners 4 to 7 p.m.
The public is welcome. For details, call the post at 440-352-1123.

Steak dinners offered at AMVETS
AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Drive in Mentor, will serve a steak dinner from 5:30 to 8 p.m. the second Saturday of each month at the post home. Dinner will be $12 and includes steak, salad, corn, baked potato and roll. The dinner is open to the public. For details, call 440-527-1911.

Pancakes and sausage at Burton post
Atwood-Mauck Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a pancake and sausage breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the post home. Adult tickets are $8 and tickets for children age 12 and younger are $5. For details, call “Bo” at 440-834-8765.

Young Marines now accepting registrations
The Greater Lake County Young Marines group is now accepting registration for the next recruit class. Orientation will begin at 2 p.m. Feb. 15.
The nonprofit youth education program for boys and girls ages 8 through high school focuses on character building through a combination of self-discipline, teamwork and leadership, while promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
This is the official youth program of the U.S. Marine Corps and the focal point of the Marine Corps Youth Drug Demand reduction efforts.
For more information, visit www.glcyoungmarines.org or call 440-413-6707.

Catholic War Veterans host national membership drive
The Catholic War Veterans of the USA will host a national new member recruitment drive after all Masses on Jan. 18 and 19. CWV Post 1959 The John Paul II of Lake County will participate in the drive at all of the Catholic churches in Lake County. Those eligible for membership must be practicing Catholics and honorably discharged veterans or active duty members of any branch of the U.S. armed forces.

Funeral detail available in Geauga County
American Legion Post 459, 14059 Goodwin St. in Burton, has a full military funeral detail available to any honorably discharged veteran eligible for full military honors. The honor guard, led by Newell Beaumier, sergeant at arms, is available 24/7, with a few days’ notice. For details call “Bo” at 440-834-8764. Please leave a message if no one answers.

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.