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Larece Galer brings you the latest military news. 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.

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Month of May features many dates to remember

May is a busy month for remembering those in uniform and those who support their efforts.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day is May 8. This day honors those who keep the home fires burning for all of the active duty service personnel.
Peace Officer Memorial Day is May 15,when flags fly at half staff from sunrise to sunset in memory of those officers killed in the line of duty. The third Saturday of the month is set aside as Armed Forces Day, which honors current members of the United States armed forces.
Of course, the month ends with Memorial Day, when the flag is to be flown at half staff from sunrise until noon and then be returned to full staff for the remainder of the day.
Decoration Day, as it was originally called, began in 1866 when the graves of Civil War soldiers were decorated with flowers in their memory. In 1967, the name was changed to Memorial Day by an act of Congress.

Boulevard of 500 Flags fund raiser a success
Joe Strand and the Boulevard of 500 Flags Committee would like to express their thanks to the many volunteers, those who donated to the event, supporters and the attendees of the annual Boulevard Fundraiser. All those involved helped to make the event a wonderful success.

Work party to raise flags in Eastlake
Volunteers are needed to help raise flags and ready the Boulevard of 500 Flags, 35150 Lake Shore Boulevard in Eastlake, for the season.
A work party will begin at 9 a.m. May 2 to sort and raise the flags. In the event of rain, the date will be May 3. If you plan to volunteer, please bring gloves and pliers with you. For details, call Joe Strand at 440-942-9344.

Painesville legion offers breakfast buffet
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a breakfast buffet from 9 to 11:30 a.m. May 3.
For details, call the post home at 440-357-7711.

Car and motorcycle cruise in begins in Willowick
Veterans Car and Motorcycle Cruise In will be noon to 4 p.m. every Sunday beginning May 3 at American Legion Post 678, 590 E. 328th Street in Willowick.
All cars and motorcycles are welcome. The registration fee is $5 or a donation for the Homeless Veterans Shelter. Food, drinks, prizes, 50/50 raffle and more will be a part of the fun. For details, call Bob at 216-214-3878 or email sfccola@yahoo.com.

Squadron serves spaghetti for Mom
Civil Air Patrol Squadron OH 252 of Painesville will host a Mother’s Day Spaghetti dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. May 9 at American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville.
Mothers will eat free, dine in only.

Mother’s Day brunch in Willoughby Hills
Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4358, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills, will host a Mother’s Day Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10.
Tickets are $10 per person and must be purchased by May 3 at the post canteen. This brunch is open to the public. Call Rosina Drenski at 440-944-4903 for more information.

Catholic War Veterans membership drive
The Catholic War Veterans of Lake, John Paul II Post 1959, will host a membership and poppy drive at St. Cyprian’s Church, 4223 Middle Ridge Road in Perry Township, after all Masses on May 16 and 17.
The post also will sell tickets for the reverse raffle on Oct. 24 at Patrician Party Center. Tickets for the event are $65 for main board and $35 for extra dinner ticket. Only 175 of the tickets will be sold. For details, call Bill Varga at 440-352-2315.

Polish legion auxiliary hosts golf outing
Polish Legion of American Veterans Ladies Auxiliary Chapter 31 in Cleveland will host a golf outing at Briardale Greens Golf Course, 24131 Briardale Ave. in Euclid.
The outing begins with a shotgun scramble at 8 a.m. Tickets are $70 per person and include coffee and doughnuts, lunch at the turn, green fees and cart, and a full buffet dinner to follow at PLAV Post 31, 850 E. 200th St. in Cleveland. Call 216-337-8997 or 216-337-8996 for details.

Operation STAT open house in Eastlake
Operation S.T.A.T. (Standing Tall for American Troops) will host an open house on May 16 at VFW Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake.
The event is open to the public and hamburgers and hot dogs will be available. For details, call Adam Cook at 440-413-6225 or email him at Adam@operationstat.org.

Flag retirement ceremony at Veterans Park
Mentor VFW Post 9295 and Boy Scout Troop 75 will host a flag retirement ceremony at 1 p.m. May 17 at Veterans Park, 5730 Hopkins Road in Mentor.
Bring your old and worn flags for proper disposal. The public is welcome.

Blessing of the bikes in Hambden
Hambden Congregational Church, 13840 GAR Highway in Hambden Township, will welcome Rolling Thunder for a bike blessing and veterans tribute service on May 18.
All motorcycles are asked to gather on Chardon Square at 9:30 a.m. for departure at 9:45 a.m. The service will begin by 10:30 a.m.
A picnic will follow at Hambden Township Park, 9891 Old State Road, following the service. Bring a dish to share. Hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks will be provided by Hambden Congregational Church; cooking by the Chardon VFW and the cleanup and other assistance by the Young Marines.

Medal of Honor Stories presented at Perry Library
Historian Harold George, in full Civil War uniform, will present a program about the Medal of Honor at Perry Public Library, 3753 Main St. in Perry at 7 p.m. May 19.
More than 3,000 Medals of Honor have been issued for acts of bravery and heroism. In a few cases, though, the medal was awarded for rather unique, strange, and less-than-glorious reasons.

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.

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Thursday, April 23, 2015

Memorial Day events needed for annual listing

I have noticed a number of outdoor activities coming up in the next few weeks: motorcycle events, golf outings and picnics. Could this possibly mean that spring has finally arrived?
If this is the case, then Memorial Day cannot be far behind. I have already received two announcements about events for this holiday. Each post should be participating in something: a ceremony to remember the fallen or perhaps a local parade.
If your post is doing something, please send the information to me for listing in the annual Memorial Day events list.
I hope to see a long list of memorial ceremonies.

Auxiliary dinner benefits Cleveland Fisher House
American Legion Ladies Auxiliary of Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a shepherd’s pie dinner from 5 to 7:30 p.m. April 24.
Proceeds from the dinner will benefit Cleveland Fisher House. For details, call 440-357-7711.

Annual Rally for the Troops
The 13th annual Rally for the Troops will take place at 11 a.m. April 26 at the Greater Cleveland Veterans Memorial, between Saint Clair and Rockwell avenues, west of East 6th Street in Cleveland. The location has been changed because of the ongoing construction at Public Square.
Group rides will leave from many of the Northeast Ohio Harley Davidson dealerships to the rally. Call in advance to determine the plans for each dealership.
For details, call John “Kiks” Kikol at 440-263-8121 or kiksharley@aol.com.

Work party will raise flags at memorial
The Eastlake Boulevard of 500 Flags Volunteers Committee will host a work party beginning at 9 a.m. May 2 to sort and raise the flags, with a rain date of May 3.
Please bring gloves and pliers if you plan to volunteer. The work parties are open to anyone. The committee operates completely on donations and with the help of volunteers.
To make a donation, checks can be made payable to the City of Eastlake (Boulevard of 500 Flags on the memo line) and sent to City Hall, 35150 Lake Shore Blvd., Eastlake, OH 44095.
For more information on volunteering, call Joe Strand at 440-942-9344.
The new website for the boulevard is up and running. Visit www.500flags.org.

Young Marines work toward Pearl Harbor
The Ashtabula County Young Marines are working to raise money for a trip to Pearl Harbor in December 2016 for the 75th anniversary of the attack on America.
The Young Marines will host a reverse raffle at 5:30 p.m. May 9 at the Jefferson Eagles, 133 S. Spruce St. in Jefferson.
Social hour is 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be at 6:30. The drawing begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 and include a dinner, open bar and one chance at the main board. Dinner for two will be $65 with open bar and one chance at the main board.
For tickets, call Doc Lee at 440-344-8237.

Celebrate mothers 
at VFW post
A Mother’s Day Brunch will be hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4358, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10.
Tickets in advance are $10 per person or $5 for children ages 5 through 10. Tickets must be purchased by May 3 at the post canteen from 3 to 9 p.m. For details, call Rosina Drenski at 440-944-4903.

Operation S.T.A.T. 
open house
Operation S.T.A.T. (Standing Tall for American Troops) will host an open house May 16 at VFW Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake.
The group will offer free hamburgers and hot dogs at the event, and will educate the public and veterans about services offered by Operation S.T.A.T. Other military organizations have been invited and will be on hand to answer questions, provide information and promote their organizations. The event is open to the public.

P.L.A.V. Auxiliary hosts 
golf outing
Polish Legion of American Veterans Ladies Auxiliary Chapter 31 will host a golf outing May 16 at Briardale Greens Golf Course, 24131 Briardale Ave. in Euclid. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Greater Cleveland Fisher House.
Tickets for the event are $70 per person and include coffee and doughnuts, lunch at the turn, green fees, cart and a full buffet dinner at PLAV Post 31, 850 E. 200th St. in Cleveland immediately following the outing.
Arrive at the course by 7 a.m. with a shotgun start scramble at 8. Tickets are available for the dinner only at $15 each. For details, call Theresa Krysiak at 216-337-8997 or John Major at 216-337-8996.

Blessing of the bikes
in Hambden
Hambden Congregational Church, 13840 GAR Highway in Hambden Township, will host a bike blessing and veterans tribute service on May 17.
All motorcycles are to gather on Chardon Square at 9:30 a.m. and depart at 9:45 a.m. for the service, which will begin at 10:30. All two- and four-wheel vehicles are invited to attend.
A picnic gathering will follow at Hambden Township Park, 9891 Old State Road in Chardon. Please bring a dish to share with all.
Hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks will be provided by Hambden Congregational Church and the cooking will be done by the Chardon VFW. Cleanup and other assistance will be by the Young Marines.

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.

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Thursday, April 16, 2015

Reading the mail

I receive a number of magazines and newsletters from the various groups that I belong to and write about, and I find them all interesting.
The articles often refer to a historical event that the group was involved in or that is of interest to the membership. One newsletter contained an article highlighting the life and demise of actress Veronica Lake, the girl with the “peek-a-boo hair.”
Another highlighted a real “Rosie the Riveter” who has volunteered on the B-29 “Doc” project since May 2000. She began on the B-29 assembly line as a teenager and worked on all of the 1,644 B-29’s that came out of the Boeing plant in Wichita, Kansas. This young lady recently celebrated her 90th birthday and is still going strong.
Bob Brice Sr. of Willoughby took the time to send me a photo of the B-29 nose art on his plane “The Flying Nightmare.” Brice, a staff sergeant in the Air Force, was the former crew chief on the plane. He included a narrative of the plane’s last flight that took the lives of all of the crew in September 1955, about six months after Brice returned to the United States.
The articles, newsletters and magazines all get read cover to cover. Grandmother always said to learn something new each day.

VFW Post 2595 Men’s Auxiliary serves breakfast
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Men’s Auxiliary of Post 2595, 570 New St. in Painesville, will serve breakfast beginning at  9 a.m. April 19. The breakfast is open to the public. For details, call 440-354-9090.

Veteran Orientation at Cleveland VA hospital
Veterans are invited to learn about medical and mental health services, pharmacy information, eligibility status, priority groups, co-payment information and more at the upcoming Veteran Orientation.
The event takes place from 10 to 11:30 a.m., April 24 at Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 10701 East Blvd. in Cleveland. Please RSVP to the local community clinic in your area or by call Judy K. Zamlen-Spotts, community outreach coordinator at 216-791-2300, ext. 4172.

Legion now serving lunch
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will now be serving lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday and Wednesday. Choose from a fried bologna sandwich for $2.50; or a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich for $3.50.
The menu for Tuesday and Thursday will be cheeseburgers for $3. The canteen opens at 9 a.m. Monday through Sunday. For details or information, call the post home at 440-357-7711.

Spaghetti dinner at VFW
Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 4358, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills, will host a spaghetti dinner from 3 to 5 p.m. April 26 at the post home.
The dinner is by reservation only and deadline for tickets will be April 19. Tickets are $8 per person and available at the post home.
For details call the post at 440-944-1642 or Rosina Drenski at 440-944-4903.

Last-chance pancake breakfast benefits vets
American Legion, Geauga County Council will host a last-chance pancake breakfast benefit for Geauga County veterans in need.
The benefit will be 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 19 at the Burton American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin Ave. in Burton.

Deepwood Run begins at Gunny’s Hall
The Deepwood Run will be 9 a.m. April 19 at Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road in Mentor.
The run is $15 per person and will feature a breakfast buffet with bloody marys, a Chinese auction and raffles. Event proceeds will help enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.
Tickets may be purchased online at thedeepwoodrun.org or by calling 440-350-5209.

Fundraiser helps Boulevard of Flags
Boulevard of Flags will host its annual fundraiser from 6 to 11 p.m. April 24 at the Patrician Party Center, 33150 Lakeland Blvd. in Eastlake.
Tickets are $35 and include a sit-down dinner with open bar. Proceeds will benefit the Boulevard of Flags at 35150 Lake Shore Blvd. in Eastlake. To purchase tickets, call Joe Strand at 440-942-9344 or Lois Sbrocco at 440-946-3439.

13th annual Rally for the Troops
The 13th annual Rally for the Troops will take place at 11 a.m. April 26 at the Greater Cleveland Veterans Memorial, between Saint Clair and Rockwell avenues, west of East 6th Street in Cleveland. The location has been changed because of the ongoing construction at Public Square.
Group rides will leave from many of the Northeast Ohio Harley Davidson dealerships to the rally. Call in advance to determine the plans for each dealership.
For details, call John “Kiks” Kikol at 440-263-8121 or kiksharley@aol.com.

Celebrate mother at VFW post
A Mother’s Day Brunch will be hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 4358, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10.
Tickets in advance are $10 per person or $5 for children ages 5 through 10. Tickets must be purchased by May 3 at the post canteen from 3 to 9 p.m. For details, call Rosina Drenski at 440-944-4903.

Operation S.T.A.T. Open House
Operation S.T.A.T. (Standing Tall for American Troops) will host an open house May 16 at VFW Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake.
The group will offer free hamburgers and hot dogs at the event, and will educate the public and veterans about services offered by Operation S.T.A.T. Other military organizations have been invited and will be on hand to answer questions, provide information and promote their organizations. The event is open to the public.

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.

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Friday, April 10, 2015

B-29 ‘Doc’ inches closer to flight

The B-29 “Doc” is slowly inching its way to flight.
The restoration began in 2007 when the aircraft returned to its birthplace in Wichita, Kansas, for a complete restoration. The aircraft sat at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in Ridgecrest, California, before being selected from about 30 airframes to be rebuilt and restored.
The restoration has been done with a dedicated team of volunteers and the hope is that “Doc” will fly at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, this year. “Doc” was rolled out of the hangar at McConnell Air Base in Wichita on March 23, 70 years to the day that it originally was delivered to the Army Air Forces.
I have been watching the restoration of this war bird since it began the journey back to an airworthy airplane. I have seen B-29 aircraft on the ground only in static displays and am hoping to see it flying later this year. The dedicated volunteers from all over the country have taken great time and care to breathe life back into this war bird.

Spaghetti dinner 
helps cadets
Civil Air Patrol Squadron 252 of Painesville will host a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. April 11 at American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville.
Cost is $6 per dinner and includes homemade spaghetti sauce, and meatballs, salad, bread and a dessert. Dine in or take out.
For details, call the post at 440-357-7711.

Blessing of the Bikes at Willowick Post
American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick, will host the second annual Blessing of the Bikes April 12. The parking lot will open at 10 a.m., with the blessing at noon.

Fundraiser benefits 
6-year-old
American Legion Family of Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a fundraiser beginning at 3 p.m. April 18 at the post home.
Proceeds will benefit 6-year-old Kallie Kramp, who has been diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Dinner tickets are $10.
A basket of cheer and an iPad mini with a keyboard case will be raffled off. Tickets are $5 each for the raffle. DJ Trenda will entertain from 7 to 11 p.m. Donations are being gratefully accepted.
Call 440-942-7762 after 3 p.m. for more information.

Wickliffe post hosts 
polka party
American Legion Post 7, 29919 Euclid Ave. in Wickliffe, will host a polka dance beginning at 6:30 p.m. April 18.
Tickets are $25 per person and include beer, wine and ethnic foods. Patty C and the Guys will entertain.
For more information or tickets, call the post home at 440-585-4191.

Last-chance pancake breakfast benefits vets
American Legion, Geauga County Council will host a last-chance pancake breakfast benefit for Geauga County veterans in need. The benefit will be 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., April 19 at the Burton American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin Ave. in Burton.

Pancake and sausage breakfast in Burton
Burton-Middlefield American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a pancake and sausage breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 12 at the post home.
Adult breakfast is $9 and the child’s portion for ages 12 and younger is $5.
For more information, call 440-635-0223.

Catholic War Veterans host membership drive
The Catholic War Veterans of Lake, John Paul II Post 1959, will host a membership poppy drive at Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Wickliffe on April 18 and 19 at all Masses.
The members also will be selling tickets for the Super Raffle that will be Oct. 24 at the Patrician Party Center in Eastlake during the Annual Reverse Raffle.
 Grand prize will be $5,000.
Tickets can be purchased from any CWV member. For more information, call Bill Varga at 440-352-2315.

Deepwood Run begins 
at Gunny’s Hall
The Deepwood Run will be 9 a.m. April 19 at Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road in Mentor.
The run is $15 per person and will feature a breakfast buffet with bloody marys, a Chinese auction and raffles. Event proceeds will help enhance the quality of life of people with developmental disabilities.
Tickets may be purchased online at thedeepwoodrun.org or by calling 440-350-5209.

Fundraiser helps 
Boulevard of Flags
Boulevard of Flags will host its annual fundraiser from 6 to 11 p.m. April 24 at the Patrician Party Center, 33150 Lakeland Blvd. in Eastlake.
Tickets are $35 and include a sit-down dinner with open bar. Proceeds will benefit the Boulevard of Flags at 35150 Lake Shore Blvd. in Eastlake.
To purchase tickets, call Joe Strand at 440-942-9344 or Lois Sbrocco at 440-946-3439.

13th annual Rally
for the Troops
The 13th annual Rally for the Troops will take place at 11 a.m. April 26 at the Greater Cleveland Veterans Memorial, between St. Clair and Rockwell avenues, west of East 6th Street in Cleveland.
This year, the location has been changed because of the ongoing construction at Public Square.
The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. with Monica Robbins of WKYC-TV Channel 3 as master of ceremonies. After a reading of the names of Ohio’s Fallen Heroes from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, there will be a post-rally gathering at Rock-N-Roll City Harley-Davidson, 14550 Lorain Ave. in Cleveland, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. with food and entertainment.
Group rides will leave from many of the Northeast Ohio Harley Davidson dealerships to the rally, call in advance to determine the plans for each dealership.
For details, call John “Kiks” Kikol at 440-263-8121 or kiksharley@aol.com

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.

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

Magazine brings back memories of ‘Smilin’ Jack’

I was recently given a copy of the magazine Volunteer by a friend who is a member of the Painesville Civil Air Patrol.
Knowing I liked aviation, he thought I would enjoy the magazine full of stories about flying and the Civil Air Patrol. I was surprised to find a story about “Smilin’ Jack’” a cartoon character who flew airplanes. I had no idea there was a comic strip by this name, it’s the same name I’ve been calling this friend for several years. The nickname fits, because he is always smiling.
The comic began in 1933 and ran on the comic pages until 1973, when “Smilin’ Jack” retired. The creator, Zack Mosley, was a member of the Civil Air Patrol Squadron that flew from Coastal Patrol Base 3 in Lantana, Florida, eventually becoming a colonel in the Civil Air Patrol.
The nationally syndicated cartoon was seen all over the country.
The patrol helped with submarine spotting and chasing during the war along the coast. At the time, civilian single-engine planes were outfitted with small bombs in case they had the opportunity to hit an enemy ship. Today, the Civil Air Patrol teaches young people about aviation and search and rescue.
The Painesville squadron will host a spaghetti dinner at American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, on April 11. The dinner will be served from 5 to 8 p.m. and is $6 per person.
Proceeds will benefit cadets attending the annual encampment this summer.

Fish fry at Fairport Harbor VFW Post 7754
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor, will host a fish fry lunch and dinner on April 3 at the post home. Lunch will be served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner 4 to 7 p.m. Carryout will be available. For details or to order a meal, call 440-352-1123.

Gunny’s Hall closed 
for Easter
Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, will not serve breakfast on April 5 because it will be closed for Easter Sunday. For details or questions, call the hall at 440-974-9380.

Pancake and sausage breakfast in Burton
Burton-Middlefield American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a pancake and sausage breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 12 at the post home. Adult breakfast is $9 and the child’s portion for ages 12 and younger is $5. For more information, call 440-635-0223.

Blessing of the Bikes at Willowick Post
American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick, will host the Second Annual Blessing of the Bikes April 12. The parking lot will open at 10 a.m., with the blessing at noon.

Fundraiser benefits
6-year-old
American Legion Family of Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a fundraiser beginning at 3 p.m. April 18 at the post home.
Proceeds will benefit 6-year-old Kallie Kramp, who has been diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Dinner tickets are $10.
A basket of cheer and an iPad mini with a keyboard case will be raffled off. Tickets are $5 each for the raffle. DJ Trenda will entertain from 7 to 11 p.m. Donations are being gratefully accepted.
Call 440-942-7762 after 3 p.m. for more information.

Wickliffe post host 
polka party
American Legion Post 7, 29919 Euclid Ave. in Wickliffe, will host a polka dance beginning at 6:30 p.m. April 18.
Tickets are $25 per person and include beer, wine and ethnic foods. Patty C and the Guys will entertain. For more information or tickets, call the post home at 440-585-4191.

Catholic War Veterans host membership poppy drive
The Catholic War Veterans of Lake, John Paul II Post 1959, will host a membership poppy drive at Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Wickliffe on April 18 and 19 at all Masses.
The members also will be selling tickets for the Super Raffle that will be Oct. 24 at the Patrician Party Center in Eastlake during the Annual Reverse Raffle. Grand prize will be $5,000
Tickets can be purchased from any CWV member. For more information, call Bill Varga at 440-352-2315.

Deepwood Run begins 
at Gunny’s Hall
The Deepwood Run will be 9 a.m. April 19 at Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road in Mentor.
The run is $15 per person and will feature a breakfast buffet with bloody marys, a Chinese auction and raffles. Event proceeds will help enhance the quality of life of persons with developmental disabilities. Tickets may be purchased online at thedeepwoodrun.org or by calling 440-350-5209.

Fundraiser helps 
Boulevard of Flags
Boulevard of Flags will host its annual fundraiser from 6 to 11 p.m. April 24 at the Patrician Party Center, 33150 Lakeland Blvd. in Eastlake.
Tickets are $35 and include a sit-down dinner with open bar. Proceeds will benefit the Boulevard of Flags at 35150 Lake Shore Blvd. in Eastlake.
To purchase tickets, call Joe Strand at 440-942-9344 or Lois Sbrocco at 440-946-3439.

Open house 
for Operation STAT
The First Operation STAT Open House will be May 16 at VFW Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake.
Standing Tall for American Troops will offer free hamburgers and hot dogs at the event. The open house will educate the public and veterans of the services offered by the organization.
Other military organizations will be invited and be on hand to answer questions, provide information, and promote their groups.
The event is open to the public.

PLAVA hosts golf outing
The Polish Legion of American Veterans and Auxiliary Ladies Auxiliary Chapter 31 of Cleveland will host an Armed Forces Day Golf Outing to Benefit Greater Cleveland Fisher House, beginning at 7 a.m. May 16.
Tickets are $70 per person. Call 216-337-8997 or 216-337-8996 for tickets or information.

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.

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