There will be observances around the country in honor of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, now known as Patriot Day.
It is hard to believe that 14 years have gone by since that sunny morning. The newsroom was in shock, just like the rest of the country. I have said this before, that was one day that I was really proud to be a part of this newsroom. The professionalism of the reporters, the organization of the editors and the teamwork of the entire staff was amazing.
The loss of lives that day in 2001 was horrific and should be observed with a moment of silence and the resolve that it should never happen again on American soil. The American people united as one to fight a common foe. Never in my lifetime had I observed the patriotism that seemed to spring up almost overnight after the attack. What happened to that?

9/11 Remembrance at 9:11 a.m.
On Sept. 11, the Fairport Harbor Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary will hold a 9/11 Remembrance at the Fairport Senior Center. It will begin at 9:11 am. Coffee and doughnuts will follow the service. All are welcome.

Patriot Day program in Burton
Atwood-Mauck Post 459 of Burton-Middlefield will host a Patriot Day program in Burton Village Park at 11 a.m. Sept. 11.
The ceremony is open to the public. For details, call 440-834-8765.

Remembrance ceremony
Painesville VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St., will host a 9/11 remembrance, POW/MIA recognition and flag retirement program at 6 p.m. Sept. 13 at the post home. Everyone is welcome to participate and refreshments will be available after the ceremony.
For details, call George or Jill Householder at 440-352-9522.

World War II vet gets yard clean up help
American Legion Post 214 of Willoughby will be gathering at 9 a.m. Sept. 12 at the home of a World War II veteran in Mentor to help with some yard work. Volunteers with yard and lawn equipment, shovels, rakes, trash bags, etc. would be welcome. Call Bob Fratino at 440-487-3988 if you plan on attending.

Catholic War Veterans host membership drive
The Catholic War Veterans John Paul II Post 1959 will be at Sts. and Robert William Church, 367 E. 260th St. in Euclid, on Sept. 12 and 13, hosting a membership and poppy drive. Donations will be gratefully accepted.
The group also will be selling tickets for its reverse raffle Oct. 24 at the Patrician Party Center. Tickets are $65 for main board and $35 for dinner ticket only. For details, call Bill Varga at 440-352-2315.

Veterans Appreciation Day event
Veterans Appreciation Day will be 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 18 at American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville.
This is a celebration for veterans, with food, prizes, benefit information and more. For more information, contact the Painesville Veterans Affairs Clinic at 440-357-6740.

Operation Sub Zero golf outing
Operation Sub Zero will host a golf outing at Madison Golf and Country Club beginning at 10:30 a.m. Sept.19.
Tickets are $100 per golfer and include 18 holes, cart, goodie bag, lunch, steak dinner, keg beer, Chinese auction and a 50/50 raffle. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and a shotgun start will be at noon.
Hole sponsors and donation of items for the auction would be gratefully accepted. Hole sponsors are $100. For details, contact Del Bethel at del@subzeromission.org.

Mentor VFW serves up clambake
Mentor Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9295, 8682 Mentor Ave., will host a clambake at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at the post home. Clambake is $25, with extra clams at $8 per dozen. A chicken bake will be $17.
For reservations, call the post at 440-255-3473. Reservation deadline is Sept. 12.

Sixth annual post clambake
The sixth annual Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3863 Ladies Auxiliary clambake will be 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sept. 26 at the post home, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake (behind the Save a Lot store).
Chicken dinner is $21; steak dinner is $23 and an extra dozen clams will be $8.
All tickets must be purchased by Sept. 18 at the post home. For information or further questions, call the post at 440-942-3980.

Newbury Legion hosts pig roast
Newbury American Legion Post 663 and its Auxiliary Unit will host the sixth annual pig roast from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 26 in the Hunter Pavilion behind the post at 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury.
Tickets are $15 at the door or $12 in advance. Call 440-635-6390 or 440-834-1159 for tickets or more information.

World War II vets to be guests of VFW Post
VFW Post 4358, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills, will host a celebration and recognition of World War II veterans from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at the post home. Reservations must be in by Oct. 7.
This is an invitation to any WWII veterans and is free for those veterans and their spouse or caregiver. Tickets for additional guests will be sold only if space is available. This is the post’s way of saying thank you and to let those veterans know they are not forgotten.
To make a reservation, call the post at 440-944-1642 and ask for event chairman Ron Tipton. If he is not available, he will promptly return calls.
To submit items for this column or the online listings, send to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or email LGaler@News-Herald.com.

The summer has just flown by. It is August already and it has not felt like summer has even been here.
For many of the posts in the area, this means that it is time to begin thinking about fall and yes, even winter events.
The annual North Coast Gunslingers Championships will again be hosted at Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Drive, Mentor. The quick draw championship is slated this year for Aug. 29 and 30. (See more details below.)
Veterans Appreciation Day will be Sept. 18 at American Legion Post 336 in Painesville. This is a free event for veterans and an opportunity to learn about possible benefits those veterans may have already earned.
Posts will be scheduling food drives for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. These fill baskets for those who would otherwise not have a holiday.
More events will be scheduled and continued attendance at the events helps to guarantee the posts can help those in need in the post home areas. So grab a jacket and pick an event.
Veterans Appreciation Day Event
Veterans Appreciation Day will be 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 18 at American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville. This is a celebration for veterans, with food, prizes, benefit information and more.
For more information contact the Painesville Veterans Affairs Clinic at 440-357-6740.

Willoughby VFW hosts Fish fry dinners
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, hosts a fish fry dinner the first and third Fridays of the month every month.
Dinners are served 5 to 8 p.m. and the all-you-can-eat beer batter fried pollock special is $10. As always, a full menu is offered and homemade desserts are also available. For details, call the post home at 440-951-9233.

Newbury post hosts BBQ chicken dinner
Newbury American Legion Post 663, 11008 Kinsman Road in  Newbury Township, will host a barbecue chicken dinner in the Hunter Pavilion behind the post from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 15. Dinner is $12 in advance or $15 at the door.
An adult egg hunt scramble will be held at 7 p.m., with great prizes available for a $10 entry fee. For more information, call 440-635-6390 or 440-269-3184.

Annual Fast Draw Championship at Gunny’s Hall
The 2015 Northcoast National Gunslinger Championships will be Aug. 29 and 30 at the Marine Corps League, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor. Contests begin at 9:30 a.m. both days.
This is a sanctioned event of the Ohio Fast Draw Association-International and is hosted by Gunny’s Hall Marine Corps League and the Buckeye Rangers Fast Draw club. No live ammunition is used. For details, call Gunny’s Hall at 440-974-9380.

Post cancels events 
American Legion Atwood-Mauck Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, has canceled the GI Get Together and annual community garage sale because of renovations at the post. The events will be rescheduled later in the fall.
For questions or more information, call the post home at 440-834-8621.

Buckeye Boys Golf Outing
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host the Third Annual Boys State Golf Outing beginning at noon Aug. 28 at Lost Nation Golf Course in Willoughby. Tickets are $50 per person and include golf, cart and a steak raffle.
Please sign up at the post home by Aug. 26 or sponsor a hole for $20 each. For more information or to sign up, call the post after 3 p.m. at 440-942-7762.

Catholic Veterans poppy drive
The Catholic War Veterans John Paul II Post 1959 will be at St. Mary Parish, 242 N. State St. in Painesville, on Aug. 15-16 after all Masses hosting a membership drive and poppy drive (donations are welcome).
Members also will be selling tickets for the reverse raffle that will be Oct. 24 at the Patrician Party Center in Eastlake.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call Bill Varga at 440-352-2315.

Chardon hosts Chinese auction
The Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host a Chinese auction from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 8 at the post home.
For details call 440-285-3699.

Support veterans 
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 9 to help support the cost of Veterans Appreciation Day. Breakfast will be $5 and proceeds will benefit the Veterans Appreciation Day event.

Learn to ride at dealership
Western Reserve Harley Davidson, 8567 Tyler Blvd. in Mentor, is offering Operation Personal Freedom Ride Free through Sept. 13.
All current and former  U.S. military personnel can learn to ride for free through the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy.
Learn more about this program by stopping at the store or by logging onto H-D.com/militarylearntoride.

Toys for Tots golf outing
Col. Justice M. Chambers Marine Corps League Detachment 555, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, has rescheduled the annual Toys for Tots golf outing.
The event will be Sept. 12 at Madison Country Club, 6130 Chapel Road in Madison.
Tickets are $80 for players and $20 for the dinner only. Hole sponsorships and tickets for the golf outing are available. Call Gunny’s Hall at 440-974-9380 or Joe Brooks at 440-477-1810.

Newbury Legion farmers market
Newbury American Legion Post 663, 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township, hosts the Community Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays through Sept. 12.Vendors are supplied with a table under the pavilion and easy access for $5 per day.
For information, email bob810@windstream.net, or call 440-564-7441 or 440-567-9061 to reserve a space.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or email LGaler@News-Herald.com.

May is military appreciation month. The Friday before Mother’s Day was designated as Military Spouse Appreciation Day in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan.
This day honors the silent service of the many spouses who pick up and move when military orders say they must. These are the partners who keep the home constant for the military members and their children. These spouses are the ones who become both mother and father when deployment orders are issued and the military member must leave for a far-off place.
These silent partners support the military careers of their spouses with grace, courage and quiet perseverance.
So on this Friday before Mother’s Day, a tip of the hat and a salute to those who follow their military members all over the globe and supporting them in the military career that they have chosen.

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.

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 be selling tickets for the reverse raffle that will be Oct. 24 at the Patrician Party Center. Tickets for the annual event are $65 for main board and $35 for extra dinner ticket. Only 175 of the tickets will be sold.
For information about membership or questions about the reverse raffle, call Bill Varga at 440-352-2315.

Polish Legion Auxiliary hosts golf outing
The 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 will begin 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 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 17.
All motorcycles are asked to gather on Chardon Square at 9:30 a.m. for departure at 9:45. The service will begin by 10:30 a.m.
A picnic gathering will follow at Hambden Township Park, 9891 Old State Road in Chardon, following the service.
Please bring a dish to share. Hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks will be provided by Hambden Congregational Church with cooking done by the Chardon VFW. Cleanup and other assistance will be done by the Young Marines.

Medal of Honor Stories presented at Perry Library
Historian Harold George, in full Civil War uniform, will present a program at 7 p.m. May 19 about the Medal of Honor at Perry Public Library, 3753 Main St. in Perry.
More than 3,000 Medals of Honor have been issued for acts of bravery and heroism “above and beyond the call of duty,” but in a few cases, 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.

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.

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.

The Air Force Association has honored the Civil Air Patrol with the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of 70 years of helping to secure America, with special mention of its World War II service.
The Civil Air Patrol will be recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal honoring the service that the CAP gave to the country during World War II. The medal was signed into law on May 30 and will be presented in Washington, D.C., in December.
The Civil Air Patrol was founded on Dec. 1, 1941, only a week before the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The first CAP members helped support the war effort with patrols of the American coastline. They assisted in locating German submarines that were trying to sink American ships full of cargo and supplies bound for Europe.
The CAP reported 173 suspected submarines, performed 5,684 special convoy missions; the pilots reported 17 floating mines, 36 bodies, 91 ships in distress and 363 survivors in the water.
By the end of World War II the CAP, as the auxiliary force of the Army Air Forces, had flown more than 750,000 hours on all missions, with a loss of 65 members and 150 aircraft.

Madison Auxiliary hosts pork dinner
The Ladies Auxiliary Unit of American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host a pork dinner 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at the post home. Dinners are $10 per person. For details, call the post home at 440-428-7893.

Mentor Senior Center hosts breakfast for vets
The Fifth Annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast will be at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 8 at the Mentor Senior Center, 8484 Munson Road in Mentor.
The meal is free for veterans and $4 for guests. Registration in advance is required by Nov. 4 in person or by calling 440-974-5725. The event is co-sponsored with Perkins Pancake House in Painesville.

Nonfiction author to speak at Notre Dame
Geauga County Library Foundation’s Distinguished Speaker series will feature Alex Kershaw, author of acclaimed World War II nonfiction, at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 8 at the Sisters of Notre Dame Education Center Auditorium, 13000 Auburn Road in Munson Township.
Tickets for the program are $5 and are available at all Geauga County libraries and at the door. Patrons may bring their books to be signed and books will be available for purchase before and after the program courtesy of Barnes and Noble.
For details, call Kristen Haskell at 440-286-6811 ext. 131.

Legion Auxiliary raffles basket
American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 678 is hosting a basket raffle.
The basket contains $50 gift certificates from Petie’s Family Restaurant, Cala’s Pizza and Rudy’s Meats. The drawing will be held during the intermission of Sunday bingo on Nov. 9.
Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. If interested, call Maribeth Shankman at 216-408-6284.

Catholic War Veterans recruiting members
Catholic War Veterans of the United States will be actively recruiting the week of Nov. 8-16 at Catholic churches throughout the Cleveland area.
Organized in 1935, the Catholic War Veterans received an apostolic blessing from Pope Pius XI and a Congressional Charter from President Reagan in 1984.
For details about National Recruitment week, visit www.cwv.org.

Sub Zero Mission collecting warming items
The Painesville Police Department will host a stuff the bus event to benefit Sub Zero Mission from noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 9.
Warming items such as gloves, scarves, fleece garments, hoodies, sleeping bags, tents, blankets, new socks, boots, hand warmers and flannel are all welcome. The bus will be parked in the police and fire lot off of East Erie Street next to Arby’s.

Madison Library helps to rename football field
The Madison Public Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will help local veterans in a project connected with the naming of the high school football field.
The field will be renamed “Dick Hamblin Field.” Hamblin was the first local casualty of the Vietnam War.
Funds collected, through a donation jar at the library the week of Veterans Day, Nov. 10 through 15, will be used to purchase a sign for under the scoreboard. The dedication will be at the first home football game of 2015.

Poor man’s raffle at Willowick Legion
The Sons of the American Legion will host a poor man’s reverse raffle beginning at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick.
Tickets are $15 each. After the raffle, entertainment by Alex Bevan will take place in the canteen. For details, call the post home at 440-943-9659.

PLAV hosts Fisher House fundraiser
The Polish Legion of American Veterans, U.S.A. Ladies Auxiliary Chapter 31, will host a benefit for the Greater Cleveland Fisher House from 4 to 10 p.m. Nov. 15 at Tizzano’s Party Center, 1361 E. 260th St. in Euclid.
Tickets are $30 each and include a buffet dinner served from 5 to 6:45 p.m. and live music. To purchase tickets or donate a raffle basket or item, call 216-337-8997.

Veterans Hospitality dinner in Kirtland
A Veterans Hospitality Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Old South Church, 9802 Chillicothe Road in Kirtland.
The family event is designed to bring area veterans together in appreciation of their service. This will be the last dinner sponsored by the Ghost Rider Foundation.

Catholic War Veterans host reverse raffle
Catholic War Veterans of Lake County will host its first reverse raffle at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Patrician Party Center, 33150 Lakeland Blvd. in Eastlake.
Tickets are $65 per person or $35 for a dinner-only ticket. All proceeds benefit Lake County veterans. Tickets must be purchased in advance, as none will be sold at the door.
For tickets, call Bill Varga at 440-352-2314.

Fairport VFW serves fish fry
VFW Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor, will host a fish fry dinner Oct. 24 at the post home.
Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner 4 to 7 p.m. For details, call the post at 440-352-1123.

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. 

Mary Wessell became involved with the Ashtabula County Young Marines when it began five years ago. The involvement led the Geneva High School senior to a scholarship and a trip to Guam and Iwo Jima.
The trip and a $1,000 scholarship came after she was chosen as the outstanding female in the Young Marines program. Only 10 Young Marines nationwide are selected.
The trip allowed the high school senior to learn about the battles that took place on those two islands from World War II veterans of both sides at the 69th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
“During my trip, I was truly walking with history,” Wessell said. “I learned more about World War II than I would from any history book.”
Wessell took advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by listening to the veterans’ stories.
“I noticed that each and every veteran was extremely humble, they did not believe they were heroes,” Wessell said. “They agreed that the true heroes were the ones who never returned home.”
Wessell learned firsthand what it was like on the island 69 years ago from those veterans. One U.S. Army veteran told stories as they walked together along the beaches. After the conversation, the veteran’s son told Wessell that it was the first time his father had ever spoken about the time he spent on the island.
Wessell intends to continue her education with a double major in political science and international relations while pursuing a career through the Navy or Air Force ROTC program.  She is the daughter of Kenny and Judy Wessell of Geneva and serves as the Ashtabula County Young Marines Unit sergeant major.

Fairport post serves breakfast
Lenten breakfast “Great Slam” at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754 will be served 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays through April 13, at the post home, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor. Adult breakfasts will be $6 and breakfast for children ages 10 years and younger will be $4. Takeout will be available. For details, call the post home at 440-352-1123.

Willowick Korean War veterans wanted
Korean War veterans living in Willowick are asked to contact the mayor’s office. The veterans will be invited to speak with eighth-graders at Willowick Middle School and share their experiences with the students. Call 440-585-3700 if you are interested in this project.

Men’s Auxiliary hosts dinner
The Men’s Auxiliary of VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a roast pork dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. March 29 at the post home. Dinners will be $10 each. For details, call the post at 440-354-9090.

Radio show to feature Vietnam veterans
The “LEGACIES” radio show at 9:30 a.m. Sundays on WELW-AM 1330 will present stories from veterans of the Vietnam War through the end of April. Stories have been forwarded to the Library of Congress for inclusion in the Veterans History Project. To participate in the project, call 440-255-7410.

Tri-C to offer financial guidance to vets
The Cuyahoga Community College Veterans Initiative will offer financial guidance to veteran and military families April 4 during an afternoon event at the Western Campus, 11000 Pleasant Valley Road in Parma. The free program “Balancing the Budget on the Home Front” will be 1 to 5 p.m. in Room A227 of the Health Careers Building. For more information, call the College’s Veterans Initiative at 216-987-3193.

Breakfast benefits Greater Cleveland Fisher House
Members of Kappa Sigma Chapter at Lake Erie College will volunteer their time to host a pancake breakfast as part of the organization’s Spring Semester International Day of Service. The breakfast will be served 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 at the First Church of Christ, 422 Mentor Ave. in Painesville. Proceeds of the breakfast will benefit Greater Cleveland Fisher House.

Catholic War Veterans membership drive begins
Catholic War Veterans Post 1959 will host a membership/poppy drive at Masses April 5 and 6, at St. Mary’s Chardon, 401 North St. in Chardon. Members must be practicing Catholics and have a direct relative who served honorably in the United States military. For details, call Ken Kirchner, second vice commander at 440-257-2156 or email cpd2195@yahoo.com.

Burton post hosts 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. For details, call Bo at 440-834-8765.

Annual Oink and Squeal Party April 12
American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host the annual Oink and Squeal Party beginning at 5 p.m. April 12 at the post home. Raffle tickets are $2 each. Food will be available through the legion kitchen. Admission is a nonperishable food item or cash donation to benefit the local food bank. For tickets or details, call 440-834-8621.

Blessing of the Bikes at Willowick post
American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick, will host a Blessing of the Bikes in the parking lot on April 13. The parking lot will open at 10:30 a.m. with the blessing at noon. The event will include vendors, food and music. All proceeds will help local veterans.

Auxiliary hosts annual Chinese auction
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a Chinese auction at 1 p.m. April 13 at the post home. Tickets are $5 per person. Admission includes 10 auction tickets, dessert and coffee. Donations are being accepted. For details, call the post home at 440-357-7711.

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.

A perfect example of what can be accomplished by the post family and the community has to be the recent fundraiser at the Willoughby VFW Post 1500.
The post hosted a sold-out, standing-room-only fundraiser March 23 at the post home, 38295 Pelton Road, Willoughby.
The event was a benefit for the Littlest Heroes, a local nonprofit charity that provides financial assistance to families with children affected by cancer.
The event featured a spaghetti dinner and music by Abbey Rodeo, a band that performs music of the 60’s. It raised $1,000 for “The Littlest Heroes” because of the generosity of those who attended and from corporate sponsors OE Exchange, Century Plating, Lake County Roto-Rooters and National Threaded Fasteners.

Winter clothes
collection concludes
The Ladies Auxiliary of Perry AMVETS Post 1971, 4129 Main St., Perry, has concluded the collection of new or gently worn, warm clothes and blankets for Homeless Veterans. The project was a great success and items donated were of great quality as well as quantity. Thank you to all who contributed. For details about AMVETS projects call 440-259-5131.

Leathernecks host
spaghetti dinner
The Gold Star Chapter of the Leathernecks Nation MC will host an all-you-can-eat Spaghetti Dinner at 5:30 p.m. April 6, at the American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St., Willowick.
Tickets are $15 adult single ticket and children age 10 and younger free with a paid adult ticket. For details, contact leathernecksmc@sbcglobal.net.leathernecksmc@sbcglobal.net.

Catholic War Veterans
membership drive
John Paul II Post 1959 of the Catholic War Veterans will host a Membership/Poppy Drive at St. Cyprian Catholic Church, 4223 Middle Ridge Road, Perry at 5 p.m. April 6 and 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday, April 7.
There will also be a 50/50 drawing to support our troops.
For details, call Ken Kirchner, Second vice Commander at 440-257-2156.

Legion Riders new at Post 214
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St., Willoughby, now has a Legion Rider Chapter.
The riders meetings will be the second Monday of each month beginning at 7 p.m.
The first one is scheduled for April 8.
If you own a motorcycle and belong to the American Legion or if you eligible to join the Legion come be a part of the Riders at the ground level and build it up.
For details,  call the post at 440-942-7762 after 3 p.m. or email legionpost214@gmail.com.or email legionpost214@gmail.com.

Auxiliary hosts Flea Market
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit of Post 678, will host a flea market 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13 at the post home, 570 E. 328th St., Willowick.
This is a fundraiser for veteran causes supported by the Auxiliary.

Veterans Hospitality Dinner
A family event to bring area veterans together in appreciation for their service will be 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at Old South church, 9802 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland.
The dinner is free and there will be activities for the children. Please pre-register at ghostriderfoundation@gmail.com to assure adequate food and staff.

AMVETS host district dinner
AMVETS District 20 will host a reverse raffle and all-you-can-eat Spaghetti dinner April 27, at AMVETS Post 109, 7847 Lake Shore Boulevard, Mentor-on-the-Lake.
Tickets are $25 per person and all proceeds will benefit AMVETS 20th District that works to support veteran’s rights.
Tickets are available at all local AMVETS Posts including Post 109.

Auxiliary celebrates 25 years
VFW 3863, Ladies Auxiliary will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the auxiliary 3 to 6 p.m. April 28, at the post home, 33641 Vine St., Eastlake.
The group was originally chartered on April 17, 1988, according to VFW National offices. Reservations are requested by April 19. Tickets are $10 per person with a cash bar. The event will be catered by Koumbaro’s Catering.
Call Jean Powali at 440-944-8943 for questions or for reservations.

Yankee Doodle Salute
Western Reserve Junior Service League will host the annual Red Stocking Revue entitled “Yankee Doodle Salute!” at 7:30 p.m. May 3 and 4 at Harvey High School, 200 West Walnut Ave., Painesville
Tickets are $15 general admission and$35 reserved seating.
To thank those who have served out country, all veterans and active duty personnel with a military ID will be admitted free the night of the performance, based on available seating.
For details or to purchase tickets call 440-256-1547.
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 end of the Vietnam War was 40 years ago on March 30, 1973, the day that many of the troops arrived back in the United States. The troops returning were not acknowledged, but they are being recognized now.
It has taken 40 years for these men and women to be officially welcomed home. Ohio began the commemoration Tuesday at the Ohio History Center in Columbus with the Traveling Wall, panel discussions and a remembrance ceremony. Other commemorations and ceremonies have been planned statewide.
In my humble opinion, the most important is the small one that happens when you see a Vietnam veteran and just say, “Thank you and welcome home.”

Attention: World War II Geauga County veterans
The Geauga County Historical Society is attempting to identify all current Geauga County residents who are veterans of World War II.
Each Geauga County World War II veteran and a guest will be invited to attend a dinner in their honor. If you or someone you know is a veteran of World War II and a resident of Geauga County, call the Geauga County Historical Society and Century Village Museum office at 440-834-1492 or email info@geaugahistorical.org.

Local companies receive awards for their support
Three local companies were recognized for their support of National Guard and Reserve members with the 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.
Nominations of employers were made by employees and members of the National Guard and Reserves.
Local companies honored were Progressive Insurance Corp.; FedEx Freight and Northeast Ohio Vascular Associates Inc.

AMVETS will offer after-dinner entertainment
AMVETS Post 109, 7847 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake, will serve a fish fry dinner followed by a disc jockey and karaoke entertainment from 5 to 8 p.m. today. For details, call the post home at 440-257-9217.

Catholic War Veterans membership drive in Perry
John Paul II Post 1959 Catholic War Veterans will host a membership and poppy drive at St. Cyprian Catholic Church, 4223 Middle Ridge Road in Perry, at the 5 p.m. Mass on April 6 and at the 9 and 11 a.m. Masses April 7. There also will be a 50/50 drawing to support the troops. For details call Ken Kirchner, second vice commander, at 440-257-2156.

Leathernecks Nation spaghetti dinner
Gold Star Chapter of the Leathernecks Nation MC will host an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner at 5:30 p.m. April 6 at American Legion Post 678, 579 E. 328th St. in Willowick.
Adults’ dinners will be $15 and children ages 10 and younger will be admitted free with a paid adult ticket. For tickets or more information, email leathernecksmc@sbcglobal.net.

Ladies Auxiliary hosts flea market
American Legion Post 678 Auxiliary Unit will host a flea market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 13 at the post home, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick. This is a fundraiser for the veteran causes supported by the Ladies Auxiliary. For details, call the post home at 440-943-9659.

Eastlake auxiliary celebrates 25 years
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3863 Ladies Auxiliary will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the auxiliary from 3 to 6 p.m. April 28 at the post home, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake. Tickets are $10 per person with a cash bar and a dinner catered by Koumbaro’s Catering. Reservations must be made and paid for by April 19. Call Jean Powali at 440-944-8943 for details or to make reservations.
 
Red Stocking Revue honors America
Western Reserve Junior Service League will present the annual Red Stocking Revue “Yankee Doodle Salute!” at 7:30 p.m. May 3 and 4 at Harvey High School, 200 W. Walnut Ave. in Painesville.
Tickets are $15 for general admission and $35 reserved seating. To thank those who have served our country, all veterans and active duty personnel with a military ID will be admitted free the night of the performance, based on available seating.
For details or tickets, call Bev Wallace at 440-256-1547.

Walk for Fisher House
The Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center is one of the largest veterans hospitals in the United States. One of the most important parts of the veterans’ healing process is the support of nearby family. To help build a Greater Cleveland Fisher House, the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 343 of Euclid will sponsor a Walk for Fisher House on May 11 at Sparky DiBiasio Stadium in Euclid. For details, call the Euclid American Legion Post after 3 p.m. at 216-531-5344 or email walkforfisher@roadrunner.com.

Indianhead Division members wanted
The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is searching for anyone who ever served in the Army’s 2nd Infantry division at any time. For details about the national association or the annual reunion in Columbus, Ga., on Sept. 17 through 21, call Secretary-Treasurer Bob Haynes at 224-225-1202 or email him at 2idahq@comcoast.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.

American Legion Post 678 in Willowick has a new sign thanks to members Richard Negrelli and Hal Hildebrecht who designed it.
Negrelli, an American Legion Life member and member of the post for the past 63 years, explained that the post is difficult to find on the side street, and the sign was necessary to let people know it was there.
“The older people are dying off but there is always a certain amount of fraternity at the post,” Negrelli said of his longtime membership.
He was there and helped to pour the concrete foundation for the original post and helped to erect the flag pole that stands in front of the post.
The post was originally the size of two garages.
The current building, complete with a canteen and a banquet hall that is available for rent, was built in 1976 behind a retail strip center on Vine Street but facing East 328th Street.
Negrelli, Hildebrecht and fellow members Joe Strand and Bob Benish all pitched in to get the sign into place last week.

Junior Girls Unit dinner a hit
The Junior Girls Unit of VFW Post 2595 had a successful dinner event on Feb. 10 as the young ladies raised $310 for the VFW National Military Service Program.
To be a Junior Girl of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW, you must be 5 to 16 years of age and be a daughter, foster-daughter, step-daughter, granddaughter, sister, foster-sister, step-sister or half-sister of someone who is eligible for the VFW. This would be someone who has served overseas in a U.S. military conflict that the VFW recognizes as a foreign war.
For details, talk to your nearest Ladies Auxiliary.
 
Megen’s Civil War Quilts Lecture
and trunk show
Ladies, join quilt shop owner and Civil War quilt enthusiast Megen Wierzbicki for a fascinating lecture and trunk show to learn the history and origins of Civil War quilts, 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road in Kirtland.
Learn about their fabrics, patterns and quilting designs.
Time is included for questions and answers. Free evening admission from 5 to 7 p.m. is included to view show quilts prior to the program.
Program fee is $10. Register online at lakemetroparks.com or call 440-358-7275.
 
Men’s Auxiliary hosts steak dinner
The Men’s Auxiliary of VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville will host a steak dinner beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday at the post home. All are welcome.
For details, call 440-354-9090.
 
Burton Legion serves pancakes
Atwood-Mauck Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton will host a pancake and sausage breakfast 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the post home. For details, call Ron at 440-343-1478.
 
CPAs volunteer for military personnel
The Ohio Society of CPAs is offering free tax preparation services to Ohio military families this tax season.
Now through April, Ohio Certified Public Accountants will prepare 2012 tax returns for military personnel who are permanent residents of Ohio and currently deployed outside of the state.
To find an Operation CPA volunteer in your area, call The Ohio Society of CPAs toll free at 888-959-1212 or email cpanswers@ohio-cpa.com.
 
Madison VFW Auxiliary craft show
The annual craft bazaar of the Ladies Auxiliary of Madison VFW Post 8548, will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 9, at Stratton Place on Main Street in Madison Village.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Madison Food Bank.
The public is invited.
 
Annual Oink and Squeal
at Burton post
Oink and Squeal Party with raffle and Chinese auction will begin at 5 p.m. March 23 at the Burton American Legion Hall, 14052 Goodwin St.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. and raffle will begin at 7p.m. Raffle tickets are $2 each and Chinese auction ticket are 10 for $1.
Prizes for the evening include cash and 20 hams. Admission is non-perishable food items, bath items or cash donations for the local food bank.
Food will be available for purchase through the Legion kitchen.
For tickets, contact an American Legion Ladies Auxiliary member.
 
Abbey Rodeo to appear
at Willoughby post
Willoughby VFW Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road, will host a fundraiser spaghetti dinner followed by a performance of Abbey Rodeo beginning at 6 p.m. March 23.
Tickets are $18 per person and due to advance sales, tickets may not be available the night of the event.
For tickets, call 440-951-9233 or in person at the post home.
All proceeds will benefit “The Littlest Heroes” as well as the VFW National Children’s Home, Cleveland Area VA Hospital treats and care packages for the troops.
 
Reverse Raffle scheduled
St. Vitus Post 1655 of the Catholic War Veterans will host a reverse raffle April 16, at the Slovenian National Home, 6409 St. Clair Ave. in Cleveland.
Only 175 main board tickets will be sold for the chance to win $2,500 in total cash prizes.
Tickets include dinner and an open bar. Cost for main board tickets is $60 with an additional dinner tickets for $20.
Consolation prizes and side boards will also be available. For details or to purchase tickets call Mike Blau at 440-954-1426.
 
Early warning
The 11th annual “Rally for the Troops” will be 11 a.m. April 28 at Cleveland Public Square.
There is no cost to attend the rally and free parking will be available at Tower City and Network Parking 12:30 to 3 p.m. For details, visit www.clevelandrallyforthetroops.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.

AMVETS Post 1971 in Perry has done it again. It has rocked its way to another $1,500 for the benefit of Hospice of the Western Reserve.
Each year for the past 17 years, rocking chairs have been placed in front of the post home, 4129 Main St. in Perry, and donations are accepted by the rockers. The post has donated a total of $48,000 to hospice in the 17 years of the Rock-a-Thon.
There were 18 rockers in front of the post home and two were at the Perry IGA for this year’s Rock-a-Thon. Those participating in the rocking were from AMVETS Post 109; Ladies Auxiliary of Post 109 and the president of the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary from Post 22 in Vermilion.

Auxiliary Unit 214 to be honored
Each year, the Willoughby Rotary Club honors a distinguished citizen and civic organization. This year, the Ladies Auxiliary Unit of Palmer-Roberts Post 214 of Willoughby will be honored as the distinguished civic organization. The luncheon will be Jan. 28 at Pine Ridge Country Club.

Special Armistice Day
radio show
In honor of the first Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 1918, Tom Swope’s “LEGACIES” radio show at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 11 on WELW-AM 1330 will feature an interview with Marine Arthur Keller, including his memories of the final day of World War I. Keller was 75 years old at the time the interview was done by his daughter, Joyce Keller, in 1974.
Swope has done more than 450 interviews for the Veterans History Project for The Library of Congress.
His book “LEGACIES: Stories from the Second World War” was selected by The Veterans History Project as one of the featured books at the 2012 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.
Eastlake post to host breakfast
Eastlake Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake, will serve a breakfast buffet, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the post home. Donation is $5 per person. For details, call 440-942-3980.

Council on Aging
salutes veterans
The Lake County Council on Aging will present a Wednesday workshop to salute veterans beginning at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at the council office, 8520 East Ave. in Mentor. The Lake County Veterans Service Office and the Council on Aging will present information about available assistance and programs for men and women who have honorably served their country.
For details or to register, call the Council on Aging office at 440-205-8111 or email maribeth@lccoa.org.

Dinner benefits
Honor Flight veterans
A benefit dinner for Honor Flight will be 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 10 at AMVETS Post 109, 7847 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake. The dinner also will include a reverse raffle and only 100 tickets will be sold for the event. Tickets are $12 and include dinner and DJ entertainment. Sideboards will be available for $2 and $3. All proceeds will benefit Honor Flight. For details, call the post at 440-257-9217.

Book sale to fly Nov. 10
The International Women’s Air and Space Museum will host its annual book sale and pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10 at Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland. A pancakes and sausage breakfast will be served. The breakfast donation is $5. For details, call 216-632-1111 or online at www.iwasm.org.

Catholic War Veterans collect
for USO
The Catholic War Veterans Post 1959 of Lake County will host a USO Care Package Event for the troops in Afghanistan at all the masses at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 7575 Bellflower Road in Mentor, the first two weekends in November.
The Catholic War Veterans Post 1959 Membership Poppy Drive will be Nov. 10 and 11, at St. Gabriel Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Road in Concord Township For more information on either event, call Second Vice Cmdr. Ken Kirchner at 440-257-2156.

Burton Legion post
serves chili and soup
Atwood-Mauck Post 459 of the American Legion, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host an all-you-can-eat chili and soup dinner free to all veterans from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11, at the post home. For details, call Bo at 440-834-8764.

Burton post inviting
new members
The American Legion Junior Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion of Burton-Middlefield Post 459, Atwood-Mauck, are accepting new members. Those eligible will be 18 years of age and younger, and be the daughter, granddaughter or sister of a current Legion member. For details, call Laurie Wood at 571-278-2037.
The Sons of the American Legion are all male descendants — sons, grandsons or brothers — of a veteran.
For details about the SALs, call Charles Boehnlein at 440-834-1191 or Ron Laurent at 440-343-1478. 

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.