It is no secret that I love aviation and have had an interest in it since I was little. The art that adorns the nose of the World War II aircraft was usually painted on by a talented member of the group while waiting for mission orders.
I have been lucky enough to speak with many of the pilots of World War II aircraft and have seen many of these beautiful artworks up close. A good number of the “artworks” are considered racy for the time period, but they also were morale boosters for the crews that flew the aircraft.
One of these talented nose art painters is Owen Hughes of Newark, New York. Now in his 90s, Hughes is still an active painter. His artwork will be seen on the nose of “Doc,” the B-29 bomber currently undergoing restoration by the United States Aviation Museum. Doc is expected to be flying later this year.

Catholic War Veterans establishes scholarships
Catholic War Veterans John Paul II of Lake County established two annual scholarships — one each for a male and female student — at Lake Catholic High School in Mentor.
The students must submit a written submission relating what it means to have a family member or relative as a veteran or actively serving in the U.S. military.
The scholarship winners for 2015 are Victor Prokop and Alexandria Schmitt. Each was awarded a $500 scholarship for the college of their choice.
For details about CWV, call Ken Kirchner, second vice commander, at 440-257-2156 or visit www.cwvpost 1959.org.

Madison VFW hosts Valentine’s Day dinner
Madison Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8548, 7604 Lake Road E. in Madison Township, will host a Valentine’s Day spaghetti dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 14 at the post home. Dinner is $5 per person and children younger than 10 years will be served free. For details, call the post home at 440-428-3050.

Painesville auxiliary will serve breakfast
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a breakfast beginning at 9 a.m. Feb. 15 at the post. For details, call the post home at 440-354-9090.

Men’s auxiliary in Madison hosts breakfast
Men’s Auxiliary of VFW Post 8548, 7604 Lake Road E. in Madison Township, will serve a sausage gravy breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 15 at the post home. For details, call the post home at 440-428-3050.

Ladies serve kielbasa and sauerkraut dinner
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a sauerkraut, kielbasa and potato dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at the post home. For details, call the post home at 440-354-9090.

Dinner, dancing 
for Valentine’s Day
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a Valentine’s Day dinner dance at the post Feb. 14.
Dinner will be served 6 to 8 p.m., followed by dancing from 8 to 11 p.m. The event will include sideboards and a 50/50 raffle.
To RSVP, call the post home at 440-942-7762 after 3 p.m.

Painesville legion hosts 
sweetheart breakfast raffle
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a sweetheart reverse raffle breakfast at 9 a.m. Feb. 15.
Only 100 tickets will be sold. Tickets are $20 and include admission, a $1,000 main board and a breakfast buffet. For details, call the post home at 440-357-7711.

Willoughby Legion 
hosts Chinese Auction
The Auxiliary Unit of American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a Chinese auction beginning at 1 p.m. Feb. 15 at the post home.
Doors open at 1 p.m. and numbers will be pulled at 5 p.m. Admission is $5 and includes lunch and four tickets. For tickets or information, call the post after 3 p.m. at 440-942-7762 or leave a message at 440-942-5113.
Proceeds benefit America Legion Auxiliary programs.

SAL host lucky shoots 
Sons of the American Legion of Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host lucky shoots every Saturday through March 14 at the post home.
Doors open at 9 a.m. to sign up and shoots begin at 10 a.m. Full shoots will be $30. A breakfast also will be available. 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.