The Painesville Junior Girls Unit of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2595 in Painesville had a wonderful time at its state conference recently.
The conference in New Philadelphia included a sock hop for the girls attending from all over the state of Ohio.
Junior Girls Unit 2595 of Painesville also brought home some awards, earning best overall for Veterans, Family Support and Americanism programs.
The unit also brought home runner-up for Youth and Membership programs, most visits to hospitals and nursing homes, working with the Legislative Program and recognition for participation in the Buddy Poppy Program, Cancer Aid and Research and VFW National Home for Children programs.
The big winner coming home was Sierra Sadler of Fairport Harbor.
She was awarded a $4,000 scholarship and named Outstanding Unit President. Jill Householder, the Junior Girls adviser, was runner-up for Outstanding Chairman/Adviser.
While at the conference, the girls had the opportunity to visit Schoenbrunn Village, Ohio’s first village, settled in 1772. Membership in the Junior Girls group is open to daughters and sisters of someone eligible to join the VFW. Girls between the ages of 5 and 16 years old are welcome.
For details, call Jill Householder at 440-352-9522.

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.

Dinner at Gunny’s Hall
Col. Justice M. Chambers Marine Corps League 555 will host a fish fry and prime rib night from 4 to 8 p.m. April 25 at Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor.
For details, call the hall at 440-974-9380

Painesville Ladies offer 
barbecue beef for dinner
VFW Post 2595 Ladies Auxiliary will host a barbecue beef sandwich dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. April 26 at the post home, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville. The public is welcome.
For details, call the post home at 440-354-9090.

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 will benefit the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Charities.
To reserve a table, call 440-943-9659 or 216-408-6284.

Pasta and sideboards
Col. Justice M. Chambers Marine Corps League will host a pasta dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. May 3 at Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road in Mentor. The evening also will include a 50/50 raffle and sideboards with a drawing at 7:30 p.m.
For details, call 440-974-9380.

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 yards 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 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.

PLAV Auxiliary hosts 
a golf outing
Ladies Auxiliary Chapter 31 of the Polish Legion of American Veterans, 850 E. 200th St. in Cleveland, will host a golf outing fundraiser at Briardale Greens Golf Course, 24131 Briardale Ave. in Euclid. Proceeds will benefit the Greater Cleveland Fisher House. Fisher House will allow military family members to stay free of charge while their injured  or ill loved one receives treatment, procedures, operations or rehabilitation.
Construction of the Fisher House will be located on the grounds of the Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Hospital in Cleveland.
For information, call Theresa Krysiak at 216-337-8997 or John Major at 216-337-8996.

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 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.

Spring is here, then again maybe not, but Easter is only a few weeks away.
Fish lunches and dinners are being served at many of the posts, as are pancake breakfasts. If you have not had the opportunity to attend one of these great meals, make it a priority for the weekend.
With spring comes motorcycle season, and the start of motorcycle runs. One of the first of the season is the large gathering on Public Square in Cleveland to support the troops. This event is for everyone with or without a motorcycle. The 12th annual Rally for the Troops will begin on Public Square in Cleveland at 11 a.m. April 27. There is no cost to attend the event.

Free book big hit
“Korea Reborn,” a free book for Korean War veterans and their families, has been a big hit at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9295 in Mentor. Cmdr. Bud Spreng reports that more than 150 copies have been distributed and more have been reserved. To receive a free copy, call the post at 440-255-3473.

Willowick Korean War veterans wanted
Korean War veterans residing in Willowick are wanted. Veterans of the Korean War are asked to contact the mayor’s office for a special day with students of Willowick Middle School.
Discussions with eighth-graders will be a part of the event, along with a breakfast at the school. The date has yet to be announced. Call the mayor’s office at 440-585-3700 to volunteer for this educational morning.

Honor Flight taking applications
World War II veterans who would like to go to Washington, D.C., to see their memorial at no cost to the veteran are urged to call Honor Flight Cleveland at 440-639-9368.
The trips will begin May 21 and continue until November. Applications need to be sent to Honor Flight Cleveland, 37 Levan Drive, Painesville, OH 44077.
If you have a special guardian in mind to travel with you, their application also needs to be sent in as soon as possible. Applications can be found at www.HonorFlightCleveland.com or by calling 440-639-9368.

Fraternity hosts Fisher House fundraiser
Members of Kappa Sigma Chapter of Lake Erie College will host a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 at First Church of Christ, 422 Mentor Ave. in Painesville.
All proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the Greater Cleveland Fisher House. Fisher House will house families of veterans who may be at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Wade Park.

Catholic War Veterans initiatives
Catholic War Veterans will be hosting a membership and poppy drive after all Masses at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 401 North St. in Chardon, April 5 and 6. To be eligible for membership, a veteran must be a practicing Catholic and an honorably discharged veteran. For details, call Ken Kirchner, second vice commander, at 440-257-2156.

Burton Legion serves up pancake breakfast
American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a pancake and sausage breakfast 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 6 at the post home. For details, call Bo at 440-834-8765.

Annual Oink and Squeal Party in Burton
The annual Oink and Squeal Party Raffle and Chinese Auction will be hosted by the Burton American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 459 at the Burton American Legion Hall, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton on April 12.
The doors will open at 5 p.m. and the raffle begins at 7 p.m. Raffle tickets are $2 each.
Food will be available through the legion kitchen and admission is nonperishable food items, bath items or cash donations for the local food bank.
For details, call the post home at 440-834-8621.

Chinese auction at Painesville post
Tickets are still available for the Chinese auction sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 336. The event will be April 13, at the post home, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, beginning at 1 p.m.
A $5 ticket will include admission, 10 auction tickets, and dessert and coffee. Donations also are being accepted.

Blessing of the Bikes in Willowick
A “Blessing of the Bikes” is slated for noon April 13 at American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St., Willowick. The parking lot will open at 10:30 a.m. and vendors, food and music will be a part of the event. All proceeds will benefit local veterans. For details, call the post home at 440-440-943-9659.

Volunteers to help vets
Keller Williams Realty will show it cares when volunteers from the company will celebrate Red Day on May 8. Volunteers will put appreciation into action by doing exterior home and yard work for veterans in the area. For details about the event or how you can help, call Mike Schneithorst at 440-728-0024.

Tables available for farmers market
Newbury American Legion Post 663, 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township, has a few openings for the annual Community Farmers Market. These spaces are under a pavilion and a table is provided. The market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday from June 21 to Sept. 13. Rental fee is $5 a day.
Acceptable items are garden produce, fresh baked goods, collectables, curios, antiques and homemade crafts.
For details 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.

Spring is here, then again maybe not, but Easter is only a few weeks away.
Fish lunches and dinners are being served at many of the posts, as are pancake breakfasts. If you have not had the opportunity to attend one of these great meals, make it a priority for the weekend.
With spring comes motorcycle season, and the start of motorcycle runs. One of the first of the season is the large gathering on Public Square in Cleveland to support the troops. This event is for everyone with or without a motorcycle. The 12th Annual Rally for the Troops will begin on Public Square in Cleveland at 11 a.m. April 27. There is no cost to attend the event.

Free book big hit
“Korea Reborn,” a free book for Korean War veterans and their families, has been a big hit at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9295 in Mentor. Cmdr. Bud Spreng reports that more than 150 copies have been distributed and more have been reserved. To receive a free copy, call the post at 440-255-3473.

Willowick Korean War veterans wanted
Korean War veterans residing in Willowick are wanted. Veterans of the Korean War are asked to contact the mayor’s office for a special day with students of Willowick Middle School.
Discussions with eighth-graders will be a part of the event, along with a breakfast at the school. The date has yet to be announced. Call the mayor’s office at 440-585-3700 to volunteer for this educational morning.

Honor Flight taking applications
World War II veterans who would like to go to Washington, D.C., to see their memorial at no cost to the veteran are urged to call Honor Flight Cleveland at 440-639-9368.
The trips will begin May 21 and continue until November. Applications need to be sent to Honor Flight Cleveland, 37 Levan Drive, Painesville, OH 44077.
If you have a special guardian in mind to travel with you, their application also needs to be sent in as soon as possible. Applications can be found at www.HonorFlightCleveland.com or by calling 440-639-9368.

Fraternity hosts Fisher House fundraiser
Members of Kappa Sigma Chapter of Lake Erie College will host a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 at First Church of Christ, 422 Mentor Ave. in Painesville.
All proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the Greater Cleveland Fisher House. Fisher House will house families of veterans who may be at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Wade Park.

Catholic War Veterans initiatives
Catholic War Veterans will be hosting a membership and poppy drive after all Masses at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 401 North St. in Chardon, April 5 and 6. To be eligible for membership, a veteran must be a practicing Catholic and an honorably discharged veteran. For details, call Ken Kirchner, second vice commander, at 440-257-2156.

Burton Legion serves up pancake breakfast
American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a pancake and sausage breakfast 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 6 at the post home. For details, call Bo at 440-834-8765.

Annual Oink and Squeal Party in Burton
The annual Oink and Squeal Party Raffle and Chinese Auction will be hosted by the Burton American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 459 at the Burton American Legion Hall, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton on April 12.
The doors will open at 5 p.m. and the raffle begins at 7 p.m. Raffle tickets are $2 each.
Food will be available through the legion kitchen and admission is nonperishable food items, bath items or cash donations for the local food bank.
For details, call the post home at 440-834-8621.

Chinese auction at Painesville post
Tickets are still available for the Chinese auction sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 336. The event will be April 13, at the post home, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, beginning at 1 p.m.
A $5 ticket will include admission, 10 auction tickets, and dessert and coffee. Donations are also being accepted.

Blessing of the Bikes in Willowick
A “Blessing of the Bikes” is slated for noon April 13 at American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St., Willowick. The parking lot will open at 10:30 a.m. and vendors, food and music will be a part of the event. All proceeds will benefit local veterans. For details, call the post home at 440-440-943-9659.

Volunteers to help vets
Keller Williams Realty will show it cares when volunteers from the company will celebrate Red Day on May 8. Volunteers will put appreciation into action by doing exterior home and yard work for veterans in the area. For details about the event or how you can help, call Mike Schneithorst at 440-728-0024.

Tables available for farmers market
Newbury American Legion Post 663, 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township, has a few openings for the annual Community Farmers Market. These spaces are under a pavilion and a table is provided. The market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday from June 21 to Sept. 13. Rental fee is $5 a day.
Acceptable items are garden produce, fresh baked goods, collectables, curios, antiques and homemade crafts.
For details 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.