Events at local posts are slow this time of year.
A few will be observing Valentine’s Day with dinners and dances.
Rolling Thunder Chapter 1 will be visiting the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center with valentine-themed goodies for the patients.
In only a few weeks, all of the posts will be gearing up for the annual pancake breakfasts to celebrate spring. The Lenten fish fry dinners also will be starting soon.
Could spring be just around the corner?

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

Willoughby VFW serves fish fry
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, hosts a fish fry dinner on the first and third Fridays of each month at the post home.
There is a large selection of menu items and something for everyone.
For details, call the post home at 440-951-9233.

Mentor AMVETS steak dinner
AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Drive in Mentor, will host a steak dinner every second Saturday at the post home.
The dinner is $12 and the public is welcome. For details call 440-527-1911.

Ladies Auxiliary hosts 
Chinese auction
AMVETS Post 109 Ladies Auxiliary, 7847 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake, will host a Chinese auction and dinner 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at the post home.
Only 100 tickets are sold for this event.
For tickets or further details ,call the post home at 440-257-9217.

North Coast Veterans 
cabbage roll dinner
North Coast Veterans will host an old fashioned cabbage roll dinner 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 15, at St. Justin Martyr’s Lambur Hall, 35781 Stevens Blvd. in Eastlake. Adult dinners will be $7 and dinners for seniors will be $6.
For those ages 12 and younger, a half-size adult meal will be $4.
For details, call Rudy Baitt at 440-792-0203.
Takeout is available.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day 
at Gunny’s Hall
Col. Justice M. Chambers Detachment 555, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, will host a Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance at Gunny’s Hall. Cocktails will begin at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6.
Tickets are $15 each or two for $26. Other entrée options are available.
For reservations or more information, call 440-974-9380.

Mass remembers Iwo Jima 
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 will pay tribute to those lost during the Iwo Jima battle.
For details, call Art Holan at 440-951-6432.

Fundraiser benefits 
Boulevard of 500 Flags
The Boulevard of 500 Flags 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 each or $55 per couple.
The evening will include a dinner, Chinese auction, door prizes, side boards, and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets can be purchased at Eastlake City Hall or by calling Ed Doherty at 440-796-5047; Dennis Morley at 440-951-3934; or Joe D’Ambrosio at 440-946-4861.

Chardon VFW begins 
pancake breakfasts
Chardon VFW Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon beginning Feb. 23 and continuing for eight Sundays.
This is an all-you-can-eat breakfast and pancakes will include plain, blueberry and apple flavors.
The breakfast is open to the public.
For details, call 440-285-3699.

Veterans Hospitality 
Dinner in Kirtland
A Veterans Hospitality Dinner will be served to area veterans and their families beginning at 6 p.m. March 19 at Old South Church, 9802 Chillicothe Road in Kirtland.
The free dinner is in appreciation of the veterans’ service.
Please register in advance at ghostriderfoundation@gmail.com to assure adequate food.

Abbey Rodeo to perform 
at Willoughby post
VFW Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, will host its fifth annual fundraising dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. March 22.
Abbey Rodeo will entertain following the dinner.
Tickets are $18 per person and may not be available at the door.
For tickets or more information, call 440-951-9233.

Honor Flight 
accepting applications
Honor Flight Cleveland is now accepting applications for the 2014 flying year.
The flights begin May 21 and will continue until November.
If you are a World War II veteran and would like to go to Washington, D.C., to see the memorial at no
cost, complete an application for the trip.
If you have a special guardian in mind to travel with you, their application also needs to be submitted as soon as possible.
Applications are available 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.

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.

Editor's note: The phone number for information on the Fifties and Sixties Dance has been corrected.

There has been a lot of debate in the news this past week regarding the announcement that women will now be allowed to serve in combat.
I never thought I would see this happen in my lifetime and now that it has I am not certain it will be a good thing.
Let me explain.
When I was a teenager and thought I could do anything if I tried hard enough, everything was a possibility. Eighteen-year-olds usually do think that way, but as a parent, I now have a different thought process.
I am not sure that my daughter or anyone’s daughter should be assigned to the front lines.
Females have less upper body strength — how would they be able to continuously carry the necessary field gear or a wounded soldier to safety?
Not all of the military occupational specialties will be open to women, but the announcement definitely opened more doors for women, and in doing so it also causes more questions than answers.
Our society is one of males programmed to be protectors. How will this affect those who are shoulder to shoulder with a female in a fire fight? Will the males be protecting their fellow female soldiers and putting themselves at greater risk?
I realize I sound like a shrinking violet and I do not want that. I know several very capable women who could not only defend themselves but also compete toe to toe with men in the field. These women are few and far between.
How will placing women in combat affect the manpower limits that already have the services downsizing? After the announcement, I had more questions than I did answers.
I understand there is time for the services to decide which specialties to restrict and to form policy about females on the front lines but in the intervening time more answers need to be given.
Israel has had a successful draft with women conscripted for two years while men are conscripted for three, how will the new American policy affect our selective service rules?
There are at least a dozen countries that allow women on the front lines. Norway became the first NATO country to do so in 1985.
Personally I have not gotten enough answers to really form an opinion. How about you?

Fish fry time
February is here already and that means many posts and detachments in the area will be starting the Friday night tradition of fish fry dinners.
If you have not already sent in the information please do so as soon as possible so that the post dinner can be included in the annual fish fry dinner list.
Submit details to the address indicated at the bottom of this column.

Meeting times needed
Many posts in the area have not submitted the information regarding meeting times.
I would like to have the schedule of meeting by Feb. 15. Please, if you have not done so already submit the meeting times for all of the groups meeting at the post home. Include the auxiliaries, riders and junior groups.
For details, call 440-954-7256 or email LGaler@news-herald.com.

Operation CPA helps deployed forces
The Ohio Society of Certified Public Accounts is offering free tax preparation services to Ohio military families this tax season.
Through April, Ohio CPAs will prepare 2012 tax returns for military personnel who are permanent residents of Ohio and currently deployed outside of the state.
Operation CPA is a partnership with the Ohio National Guard and provides a valuable service to help ease the burden of deployment on Ohio Military families.
To find an Operation CPA volunteer in your area, call toll free at 888-959-1212 or email cpanswers@ohio-cpa.com. 

Chili cook off in Painesville
American Legion Post 336 Riders will host a chili cook-off from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the post home, 60 Chester St. in Painesville.
Cost of the tasting will be $4 a person. The event will also include a Chinese auction and a 50/50 raffle. There is no charge to enter and the judging is by popular vote of the tasters.
For those entering, please provide at least two quarts of chili per entry so everyone will get to taste.
For details, call the post home at 440-357-7711.

Four Chaplins
service in Burton
Atwood-Mauck Post 459 of the American Legion, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a Four Chaplins Program beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday at the post home.
For details, call 440-834-1911.

Annual Auxiliary fundraiser in Mentor-on-the-Lake
AMVETS Post 109 Ladies Auxiliary, 7847 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake, will host its annual fundraiser steak dinner and Chinese auction Feb. 9.
Dinner is served from 5 to
7 p.m. and the auction and a DJ will follow.
Tickets are $15 each or two for $25. Only 100 tickets are sold.
Call Sue Makse at 440-257-4342 or the post at 440-257-9217 for tickets.

Burton post
serves pancakes
Atwood-Mauck Post 459 of the American Legion, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a pancake and sausage breakfast at the post home from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 10, 17 and 24. For details, call 440-343-1478.

Junior Girls host
spaghetti dinner
Junior Girls Unit of VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a spaghetti dinner 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 10 at the post home.
The girls are between the ages of 5 and 16 years and are the daughters, sisters, and granddaughters of men and women eligible to join the VFW. Funds raised will be used for support of the VFW National Military Services Fund which includes Operation Uplink (free call days), Unmet Needs (for families and active duty military) and the Military Assistance Program.
For details, call Jill Householder at 440-352-9522.

Wickliffe post site
of Rock n Roll dance
American Legion Post 7, 29919 Euclid Ave. in Wickliffe, will rock n roll Saturday, Feb. 16, when the Wickliffe Council of the Knights of Columbus hosts a 50’s-60’s Dance in the Legion Hall.
Tickets are $10 for singles and $15 for couples.
Burgers and hot dogs will be available for purchase as well as canned beer. Door prizes and a grand prize of a 50 inch Television will be part of the fun.
For tickets or details, call 216-355-4633.

Dinner benefits
Boulevard of Flags
A fundraiser for the Boulevard of 500 Flags will be at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at the American Legion Hall of Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick.
All money raised will be used to replace flag poles and worn American flags at the Boulevard.
Tickets are $20 per person or $35 per couple. The evening will include dinner, open bar, Chinese auction and side boards.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner is served at 7 p.m.
Tickets are available at the American Legion post and at VFW 3863, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake.


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.

It is not often that we hear of a new group beginning.
Ted Makse, commander of Mentor-on-the-Lake AMVETS Post 109, tells me that the AMVETS Juniors group will have its first meeting and become chartered at noon Saturday. All are welcome to attend.
The junior group is open to those who are ages 5 through 17. The young people will participate in community activities and make trips to visit hospitalized veterans in the area.
If this sounds like something a youngster in your home would be interested in, stop by the post Saturday at 7847 Lake Shore Blvd., or call the post for details at 440-257-9217.

Legion Riders host
health and wellness benefit
The American Legion Riders of Post 678, 579 E. 328th St. in Willowick, will host a spaghetti dinner to benefit health and wellness. The dinner will be served from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the post home.
The dinner will include salad, rolls and spaghetti with meatball for $5.50.
For details, call 440-943-9659.

Lucky Shoots begin
Saturday
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host Lucky Shoots beginning with sign-ups at 9 a.m. Saturday through March 16 at the post home.
Breakfast will be available to shooters for $ 2.50 or $5 for nonshooters.
The post also will offer dinner specials Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Visit the post website for details at www.americanlegionjaywilsonpost112.org.

Burton Legion hosts breakfast
American Legion Atwood-Mauck Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a pancake and sausage breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the post home. For details, call 440-343-1478.
AMVETS Ladies serve breakfast
The Ladies Auxiliary of AMVETS Post 109, 7847 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake, will host a breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Breakfast will be $5 a person. For details, call the post home at 440-257-9217.

American Legion County
Council hosts dinner
American Legion Geauga County Council will host a chicken and dumplings dinner at Atwood-Mauck Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19. Cost is $12 in advance and $15 at the door. For tickets and details, call 440-834-1191.

Burgers and Beer benefit
AMVETS Post 40 and its Ladies Auxiliary, 9141 Jordan Drive in Mentor, will host a “Burgers and Beer for Breast Awareness” 4 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 19. This is a benefit fundraiser for Beth Mills, who is fighting Stage 4 breast cancer.
The evening will include homemade burgers and fresh cut fries for $7; all beef hot dogs and fresh cut fries for $5. Cash bar, 50/50 raffle and a Chinese auction. The event is open to the public. For details call 440-257-5825.

Legion Riders
will host Chili Cookoff
American Legion Post 336 Riders will host a Chili Cookoff and Tasting from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 3 at the post home, 60 Chester St. in Painesville. Cost of the tasting is $4 a person and the tasting also will include a Chinese auction and 50/50 raffle.
There is no charge to enter and the judging will be by popular vote of the tasters.
Each entry requires at least two quarts of chili, so there is enough for everyone to taste.
For details, call 440-357-7711.

Dinner will benefit
Boulevard of 500 Flags
A fundraiser to benefit the Boulevard of 500 Flags will begin at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick.
Tickets are $20 a person or $35 a couple. The evening will include dinner, open bar, reverse raffle, Chinese auction and side boards.
Money raised will be used to replace flagpoles and the worn American flags. Tickets are available at American Legion Post 678 or at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake.

Abbey Rodeo entertains
at fundraiser
Willoughby VFW Post 1500 will present a fundraising spaghetti dinner beginning at 6 p.m. March 23 at the post home, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby.
Dinner will be served from 6 to 8 p.m. followed with entertainment by Abbey Rodeo from 8:30 to 11 p.m.
Proceeds from the event will benefit “The Littlest Heroes” as well as the VFW National Children’s Home, and Cleveland Area Veterans Affairs Hospital Treats and Care Packages for the Troops.
Tickets are $18 per person and because of advanced sales may not be available at the door.
For tickets, call 440-951-9233.

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.