The holidays are over and the time away from work was very relaxing, even with all of the holiday events. The posts will be making the late winter and early spring schedules.
The pancake breakfasts and fish fry dinners will be starting. Before we realize what has happened, it will be spring. Now that is an optimistic statement after the subzero temperatures we have been having.
Many of the posts have Facebook pages to get the word out. If the post you belong to does, be sure to let us know that so we can friend you on Facebook.
A recent article in one of the national newspapers made the posts and detachments seem like they had no contact via the Internet, but I know a lot of you have Facebook pages, emails and even Twitter accounts. If that’s the case, send me the information so we can let the public know where to look for information from posts and detachments. Let’s make sure that the younger generation understands that the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Marine Corps League all communicate with the latest equipment.
Send event listings to lgaler@news-herald.com, or fax them to 440-975-2293.

Dinner helps veterans in need
The American Legion, Geauga County Council will host a benefit chicken paprikash dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Burton American Legion Post, 14042 Goodwin St. in Burton.
Dinner donation is $8. The event also will include a 50/50 raffle. For details, call 440-635-6390 or 440-313-2095.
All proceeds go toward helping Geauga County veterans in need.

Fairport VFW Hall closed until further notice
VFW Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor, has announced that the post hall will be closed until further notice because of circumstances beyond its control. Fish fry dinners also been canceled. For questions, call the post home at 440-352-1123.

Sons host lucky shoots at Madison Post through March 14
Sons of the American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host lucky shoots every Saturday Jan. 10 through March 14 at the post home.
Doors open at 9 a.m. to sign up and shoots begin at 10. Full shoots will be $30 each. Breakfast will be available. For details, call the post home at 440-428-7893.

Willoughby post hosts benefit for domestic violence victim
VFW Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, will host a benefit for the family of Nicole Devine, a victim of a homicide in Willoughby, beginning at 7 p.m. Jan. 10, at the post home.
Tickets are $15 and will include an Italian dinner with live music. All proceeds will benefit the family to help with expenses related to her death. For more information, call 440-951-9233.

Willoughby Legion serves pancake breakfast
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a pancake breakfast from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 11 at the post home.
A pancake breakfast will be $5 and a French toast breakfast will be $6. Breakfast for children ages 12 and younger will be $3.
For details, call the post home at 440-942-7762 after 3 p.m.

Young Marines look for new recruits
The Greater Lake County Young Marines are accepting applications for the new recruit class scheduled to begin March 21. Orientation will be Feb. 21.
For more information, visit the group website at www.glcyoungmarines.org or call Bill Sickles at 440-413-6707.

Willowick Legion has hall for rent
American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick, has a hall for rent.
The hall has a capacity for 200 people and is ideal for wedding receptions, parties etc. Photos are available at post678@sbcglobal.net or for more information, call the post home at 440-943-9659.

Honor guard available in Geauga County
American Legion Post 459 of Burton-Middlefield has a military honor guard unit that will perform full military honors at the funeral of any honorably discharged service person upon their passing.
The honor guard can be reached at 440-834-8764, if no one answers please leave a message.

Gunny’s Hall open for meals
Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, will host a Sunday breakfast buffet that is open to the public from 9 a.m. to noon Sundays between Labor Day and Memorial Day. The cost is $7.50 per person and special orders are available.
Daily lunches are served Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with fish fry meals available on Fridays. There are also weekly specials offered.
For details, call the hall at 440-974-9380.

Dinner gives lift to Gathering of Eagles
The United States Aviation Museum, sponsor of the annual Gathering of Eagles air show, will host a pasta dinner at La-Vera Party Center, 32200 Chardon Road in Willoughby Hills, from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 7.
Tickets are $30 each. All proceeds will benefit the Gathering of Eagles air show.
For more information, call Don Manno at 440-442-4151.

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 holidays are almost here.
Thanksgiving is less than a week away, and of course, the shopping hysteria right behind that. A wide variety of programs are available to help those in need.
While shopping for the perfect gift for everyone on the list, please remember to pick up an extra toy for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program, or perhaps while at the grocery store, buy an extra bag of beef jerky for a USO care package.
Donations to any number of reputable agencies will help see that our troops are remembered at the holidays. The toys that are distributed by Toys for Tots are a small guarantee that every child has a Christmas.
It wouldn’t be the holiday season at the mall without the Marines in their dress blue uniforms collecting for Toys for Tots. I look forward to seeing them every year.

Annual Pearl Harbor Day dinner at Hellriegel’s
The Annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Dinner will begin with an open bar at 1700 hours (5 p.m.), followed by a steak dinner at 1800 hours (6 p.m.), Dec. 7 at Hellriegel’s Inn, 1840 Mentor Ave. in Painesville Township.
The guest speaker will be retired Col. Timothy Gorrell, director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.
Spouses and attendants are welcome. Tickets are $35 per person. To reserve tickets call 440-354-9530.
Veterans are encouraged to wear their uniforms or a part of the uniform.

Gunny’s Hall serving daily lunches
Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road in Mentor, is serving daily lunches from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and fish fry dinners on Friday evenings. There are also weekly specials offered. For details, call the hall at 440-974-9380.

Veterans’ cards offered at Morley Library Saturday
Representatives of the Lake County Recorder’s Office will be at Morley Public Library, 184 Phelps St. in Painesville, from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 22 to register Lake County veterans for the County Veterans ID Card. Veterans need to bring the original or a certified copy of their DD-214 and a photo ID. For details about the card, call the Recorder’s Office at 440-350-2508.

Burton post will host Pearl Harbor Day Memorial service
Atwood-Mauck Post 459, of Burton-Middlefield, will host a Pearl Harbor Day Memorial at 11 a.m. Dec. 7 at the village gazebo in Burton.
The public is encouraged to attend. For details, call Bo at 440-834-8764.

Euclid Legion Auxiliary Unit hosts craft show
The Ladies Auxiliary Unit of Euclid American Legion Post 343 will host a craft show at the post home, 20750 Arbor Ave. in Euclid, from 4 to 9 p.m., Nov. 21 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 22.
The public is welcome. For more details, call Mary at 216-289-7388.

Willoughby Legion post hosts vendor fair
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a vendor fair from noon to 5 p.m. at the post home Nov. 23. The sale is open to the public and the auxiliary will host a bake sale.
Vendors will include Mary Kay, Tupperware, Beauty Control, Jamberry Nails, Avon, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, Silpada, Party Lite and Tastefully Simple. Funds raised from the event will be used for American Legion Auxiliary sanctioned programs.

Creations for veterans
Join Geauga Park District and Operation S.T.A.T. at the West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township, for a make-and-give event from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7.
Help create patriotic evergreen door swags for veterans at Veterans Affairs hospitals to show that they are not forgotten during the holiday season. Supplies will be provided.
For details, call MaryRuth Shumway at 216-905-8081.

Toys for Tots collection points
Red Roof Inns are one of the many drop-off locations for Toys for Tots. During the holiday season, Red Roof Inn sponsors the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Foundation so that the tradition of giving hope and smiles to children will continue.
Red Roof locations in the Cleveland area will collect new unwrapped toys in the lobbies through Dec. 15.

USAM to host pasta dinner
The United States Aviation Museum, sponsor of the annual Gathering of Eagles air show, will host a pasta dinner at La-Vera Party Center, 32200 Chardon Road in Willoughby Hills, from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 7.
Tickets are $30 each. All proceeds will benefit the Gathering of Eagles air show.
For more information, call Don Manno at 440-442-4151.

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.

Residents of the city of Willowick paid a visit to Willowick Middle School students on June 2. These were not any ordinary citizens — these were Korean War veterans who were willing to spend time talking with the students about their experiences in Korea during what is now referred to as the “Forgotten War.”
Linda McKee, a teacher at Willowick Middle School, did the organizing and veterans who attended were Charles Albert Jr., Richard Avenmarg, Michael Carroll, Chet Cutshall, Edward Kalich, Kenneth Kleinhenz, Richard Kliever, Dick Shaeffer, Anthony Taddeo and Edward VanBergen.
The hardbound book “Korea Reborn” is a beautiful tribute to all of the men and women who served to keep Korea free. Veterans of the war can receive a free copy of the book by contacting a local Veterans of Foreign Wars post.

Young Marines looking 
for staff members
The Greater Lake County Young Marines group is looking for additional staff members. A few staff positions are available and need to be filled. If you enjoy working with kids and want to help mold the future leaders of America, we need you. Prior service in any branch of the military is preferred, but is not necessary. Female volunteers are especially encouraged to apply.
If you are interested, download an application at www.glcyoungmarines.org. A background check and references are required as part of the application process.
For more details, emailxo@glcyoungmarines.org.

Ladies Auxiliary to host 
rummage sale
The Ladies Auxiliary Annual Rummage Sale will be June 19 and 20 at the Chardon VFW Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon. There will be an eclectic mix of goodies and a bake sale on site. Donations will be accepted. For more information, call Kristin at 440-567-0748 or Loretta at 440-834-1753.

AMVETS offering free membership
AMVETS Perry Post 1971, Eastlake Post 946, and Willoughby Post 942 are offering free membership to any veteran who signs up between June 26 and July 7. For details, call the post at 440-259-5131.

Military Night at Captains game
Military Night with the Lake County Captains will be 7 p.m. June 21 against the South Bend Silver Hawks. The night is open to current military and veterans. Rolling Thunder will be a large part of the evening festivities, handling the dedication of the POW/MIA chair. Riders will meet near the American flag located on the northwest corner outside of Classic Park in Eastlake. Those participating in the on-field procession should be there by 6 p.m., entering the field at approximately 6:15 p.m. There will be fireworks after the game. For discounted tickets, call 440-975-8085, ext. 116.

Junior girls to host car wash
The Junior Girls Unit of VFW 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a car wash and bake sale from 1 to 3 p.m. June 28 at the post home. All are welcome. For details, call Jill Householder at 440-352-9522.

Swiss steak on menu 
at Willoughby Hills VFW
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 4358, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills, will host a Swiss steak dinner from 3 to 5 p.m. June 29 at the post home. Dinners are $9 per dinner. For information or tickets, call the post at 440-944-1642 or Rosina Drenski at 440-944-4903.

Rotary motorcycle run 
in Geauga County
Burton-Middlefield Rotary will sponsor an escorted motorcycle run on June 29 at the Geauga County Fairgrounds in Burton beginning at 10 a.m. sharp.
The ride will be led by Geauga County Sheriff Dan McClelland with his dog Midge. The sheriff will take the participants on a 55-mile ride through Geauga County. Cost is $25 per motorcycle, which includes a rider for free.
The ride will benefit Burton-Middlefield Rotary Veterans Housing and Assistance Fund. To date, the Rotary Club has raised more than $100,000 for Geauga County veterans through various projects, including the Geauga County Veterans Memorial, Giant Eagle gift cards for veterans, housing for veterans, and assistance for veterans with heating oil this past winter.
Registration forms are available online at bmrmotorcyclerun.com or register the day of the ride starting at 8 a.m.

Air show salutes Korean War
Gathering of Eagles XVIII Air Show will be July 19 and 20, at Lost Nation Airport, 1969 Lost Nation Road in Willoughby. This year, the show will feature “Korea — the Forgotten War” with many war birds from that era.
In addition, the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center will be there to inform veterans of benefits they may be entitled to, so interested veterans are asked to bring their DD214 (discharge papers) for assistance.
Tickets for the show are $13 per person, $25 for couples, and children ages 4 to 12 years of age will be admitted for $7. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. July 19 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20.
Proceeds from the show benefit the restoration of the last known restorable-to-flight B-29 “Doc.”

Gunny’s Hall open for lunch
Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road in Mentor, is serving daily lunches from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and fish fry dinners on Friday evenings. There are also weekly special offered.
For details, call the hall at 440-974-9380.

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 Gathering of Eagles Air Show XVIII will be held July 19 and 20 at Lost Nation Airport in Willoughby.
This year, the show will salute the veterans of the “Forgotten War” — those soldiers, sailors, airman and Marines who served in Korea.
The Korean War saw the first jet-to-jet air combat and was the first war to put helicopters into regular action. The Gathering of Eagles will salute the men and women who were a part of this conflict. The event will feature aircraft, re-enactors and a classic car show.
Gathering of Eagles is seeking sponsors. If interested, please call Hap Berichon at 440-290-8364 for details.

Ladies host breakfast
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3862 Ladies Auxiliary, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake, will host a breakfast from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 10 at the post home. Breakfast is $5 per person. For details, call 440-942-3980.

Mother’s Day plant sale in Burton
The Ladies Auxiliary Unit of American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a Mother’s Day Plant Sale from noon to 7 p.m. May 9 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10 at the post home. This sale is rain or shine, with proceeds benefiting the School Scholarship Fund.

Volunteers needed to help raise flags
The Eastlake Boulevard of 500 Flags volunteer Committee will host a work party at 9 a.m. May 10 to sort and raise the flags. Please bring gloves and pliers if you plan to volunteer.
For information on volunteering, call Joe Strand at 440-942-9344.

Red-eye run benefits Honor Flight
Painesville American Legion Riders Chapter 336 will sponsor its fourth annual “336 Red-Eye” Poker Run, beginning at 10 a.m. May 17. Proceeds will benefit Honor Flight Cleveland.
The run begins and ends at the post home, 60 Chester St. in Painesville. Tickets are $15 and available at the post or from Steve Anderson at 440-209-8724.

Steak dinner at Mentor AMVETS
AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Drive in Mentor, will host a steak dinner from 5:30 to 8 p.m. May 10 at the post. Dinners are $12 each.
For details, call 440-527-1911.

Junior AMVETS hosts dinner
Department of Ohio Junior AMVETS State President Jonathan Kirkpatrick will help at a spaghetti dinner to be served 4 to 8 p.m. May 17 at AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Road in Mentor. Only 100 tickets will be sold. Proceeds benefit the Ghost Rider Foundation. For details, call 440-728-4635.

Ladies of PLAV host golf outing
Ladies Auxiliary Chapter 31 of the Polish Legion of American Veterans will host a golf outing fundraiser at Briardale Greens Golf Course, 24131 Briardale Ave. in Euclid, at 8 a.m. May 17.
Proceeds benefit the Greater Cleveland Fisher House. Tickets are $80 per person and include coffee, doughnuts, lunch at the turn, green fees and cart, followed by a full buffet dinner at PLAV Post 31, 850 E. 200th St. in Cleveland. For tickets, call Theresa Krysiak at 216-337-8997 or John Major at 216-337-8996.

Bike blessing 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.
Motorcycles will gather on Chardon Square at 9:30 a.m. for departure at 9:45. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m.
A potluck picnic will follow at Hambden Township Park and participants should bring a dish to share. Hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks will be provided by the church.
Cooking will be done by the Chardon VFW Post. Cleanup and other assistance will be performed by the Young Marines.

DAV hosts annual ride
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 42 will host the 7th Annual Run for the River sponsored by V-Twin Cruiser MC. The event begins at 9 a.m. May 17 at Western Reserve Harley Davidson, 8567 Tyler Blvd. in Mentor. Tickets are $8 per bike in advance and $10 the day of the run.
For tickets or further details, call Mandi Thompson at 440-382-6818.

Wags 4 Warriors meet and greet in Painesville
Wags 4 Warriors will host a meet and greet at the new Painesville location, American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, at 6:30 p.m. May 22.
This hour-long meeting offers the chance to learn firsthand about what Wags 4 Warriors does, how to become a member and how to help. Businesses interested in donating or sponsoring the program are encouraged to attend.

25th Annual MCL golf outing
The 25th Annual Marine Corps League Col. J.M. Chambers Golf Classic will begin with a shotgun start at noon June 6 at Madison Country Club, 6131 Chapel Road in Madison.
Tickets are $80 and include lunch, dinner and refreshments. Hole sponsors also are needed. For details, to sponsor a hole or for tickets, call 440-974-9380 before May 26.

Singing Angels to appear at Legion Post
American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick, will host the Singing Angels at 6:30 p.m. June 7. Tickets are $20 each and must be purchased in advance. Heavy appetizers, lemonade, ice tea and coffee will be served. Please call Kim Carroll at 440-567-9751 for tickets.

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 temperatures began the climb toward 90 degrees in the past week and summer has finally arrived.
Summer came officially for me on Sunday with a visit to the Gathering of Eagles air show. I saw a lot of familiar faces from the aviation community and got to take a look at the beautiful airplanes on the ground. The show never fails to please, even with soaring temperatures.
Members of various veteran groups were there in an effort to reach out to the public and offer membership in their organizations.
Beginning today, Painesville Party in the Park will offer music all weekend for those who choose to visit and listen. Once again members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will be there to offer information and membership opportunities for those veterans who meet eligibility requirements.
Veterans Day at the Lake County Fair will be Aug. 14. On that day, the fair is free for all honorably discharged veterans. In addition, the Lake County Veteran Service Commission will host a booth and a ceremony marking the end of both the Korean War in 1953 and the Vietnam War in 1973. The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. (1800 hours).
No matter what the venue, there always seems to be a veteran involved.

Painesville post at Party in the Park
Painesville VFW Post 2595 will host a booth Friday through Sunday at Painesville Party in the Park. Post members will have information on all of the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary programs.
The programs include youth scholarship and volunteer opportunities as well as community recognition. Membership information for the VFW, Ladies Auxiliary, Men’s Auxiliary and Junior Girls Unit will be available. This year, a second year’s membership will be free for any eligible veterans or Ladies Auxiliary member joining at Party in the Park.
The post will offer a free drawing for a flag set.
Please call Jill or George Householder at 440-352-9522 for information.

Willoughby Legion offers steaks on the grill
Palmer-Roberts American Legion Post 214, 3404 Center St. in Willoughby, will again be offering steak dinners on Friday evenings 5 to 7:30 p.m. through Sept. 6. The dinners are open to the public. For details, call 440-942-7762.

VFW offers fish fry dinners
VFW Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, is hosting fish fry dinners the first and third Fridays of the month at the post home. For details, call the post home at 440-951-9233.

Sons of the AMVETS serve up burgers
AMVETS Post 109, Sons of the AMVETS, 7847 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake, will be serving sirloin steak burgers every Friday during July. The burgers, with several toppings available, will served from 5 to 8 p.m. All burgers will include fresh cut fries and are $6.50. For details, call the post at 440-257-9217.

24th annual golf classic July 27
The annual Col. J.M. Chambers Detachment 555 of the Marine Corps League will host its 24th annual Golf Classic beginning at noon July 27 at Madison Country Club.
Entrance fee is $120 per player and includes 18 holes of golf in a scramble format, lunch, cart and a steak dinner at Gunny’s Hall immediately following the golf. Trophies will be awarded to the first-place team and numerous skills prizes, such as long drives, closest to the pin, etc., also will be awarded.
To play or be a sponsor, call Gene Deka at 440-668-8777.

Euclid Vets host Classic Car Cruise-In
The Euclid Veterans Association will host a Classic Car Cruise-In from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 28 at Tizzano’s Party Center parking lot, 1361 E. 260th St. in Euclid, just south of Route 2.
Any and all classics up to 1979 are welcome. There is no charge for the show, but donations for the wounded will be gratefully accepted. Dash plaques will be given to the first 100 cars.
Donations will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and Veteran’s Best Friend. For details call Al Nagy at 216-289-1632.

Ladies Auxiliary hosts Chinese Auction and Bake Sale
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host a Chinese auction and bake sale from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Aug. 3. There will be more than 100 items to bid on. Tickets are priced six for $4; 12 for $7 or 20 for $10. Winner need not be present. Just put your name and phone number on the ticket.
For details, call Paula Geiss at 440-625-0192.

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.

Backyard bivouacs are an American tradition during the summer months, so why not make them count? Host the next barbecue for the troops and raise money for the USO at the same time.
Visit www.bbqforthetroops.org and set up a web link to a personal event page. Every dollar raised will benefit programs to support our troops and their families.
The USO will even help out by offering delicious and easy recipes each week at http://blog.uso.org.
So fire up the grill, invite some friends, have fun and help the troops at the same time.

All hands wanted on Intrepid deck in August
On Aug. 16, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City will mark the 70th anniversary of the commissioning of the USS Intrepid, the World War II Essex Class aircraft carrier that is now home to a museum.
The Intrepid is putting out a coast to coast “all call” for former crew members who will be reunited in a special Homecoming Weekend Aug. 16-18.
For details and more information about the weekend, visit www.intrepidmuseum.org/fcm70.aspx.

BALD Run rolls out of Painesville Legion
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host the Annual BALD Run (Bikers Aiding Local Diabetes) on Saturday. The run is $15 per person, bike or automobile.
First bike out from the post will be at noon and last bike to the post will be at 5 p.m., with four stops on the run. Breakfast will be served at 10 a.m.
BALD Run Inc. is a nonprofit organization which raises funds for those in the area affected by diabetes and assists them in the management and care of their disease. Tickets are available at Post 336. For details, call 440-357-7711.

Family Fun Event at Geauga Fairgrounds to benefit veterans
The public is invited to a Family Fun Event from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Geauga County Fairgrounds, 14373 N Cheshire St. in Burton, featuring live music by Switch, motorcycle pulls and drag races, a 50/50 raffle, a food vendor, military vehicles, a special motorcycle and more.
Donations will be accepted at the door. All proceeds will benefit the newly formed Veterans Housing Fund, a joint project of the Burton-Middlefield Rotary and Geauga Habitat for Humanity. The fund will provide home improvements for Geauga County veterans, including wheelchair ramps, handicap-accessibility for bathrooms, home energy efficiency upgrades, roofing, siding, yard cleanup and more. Burton-Middlefield Rotary will raise funds to provide the materials, and Geauga Habitat for Humanity will provide the labor.
The event marks the conclusion of a 50-mile escorted motorcycle ride through the county which is expected to draw hundreds of riders, led by Sheriff Dan McClelland and Midge. The riders will begin arriving at the fairgrounds at noon, as the event gets underway. The motorcycle pulls and drag races will begin at 1 p.m.  During the event, Geauga Habitat for Humanity will be accepting nominations of veterans in need. All information will be confidential. For more information, visit BMRMotorcycleRun.com or HabitatGeauga.org.

Catholic War Veterans host membership drive
Catholic War Veterans Post 1959 of Lake County will host a membership/poppy drive, 50/50 raffle and TV raffle at the St. John Vianney Catholic Church Festival, July 11-13 and at the Gathering of Eagles event slated for July 13-14 at Lost Nation Airport in Willoughby. For more information, call Second Vice Cmdr. Ken Kirchner at 440-257-2156 or cpd2195@yahoo.com.

Reverse raffle at Mentor VFW
Mentor Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9295, 8682 Mentor Ave. in Mentor, will host a reverse raffle beginning at 5:30 p.m. July 13 at the post home. The evening will include side boards, a 50/50 drawing, and a $1,000 giveaway. Dinner will be served 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by the drawing at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $20 donation and all proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. For details, call the post at 440-255-3473 or Bud Spreng at 440-255-2917.

Gathering of Eagles Air Show returns
The Gathering of Eagles XVII Air Show will return to Willoughby Lost Nation Airport, July 13-14. The show will feature aircraft that have protected our freedom and served our country.
This year a Hangar Dance, featuring the Concord Community Band, is noon to 1 p.m. July 13, and the Erie Heights Brass Ensemble performs 1 to 3 p.m. July 14.
Adult admission is $13; juniors ages 4 to 12 years old, $7; and couples, $25. Children under the age of 4 will be admitted free.

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.

Robert Caygle, 92, of Painesville Township, was a young man fresh from a Madison farm when he joined the Navy in 1940. Little did he know when he reported aboard the USS Niblack DD-424, a destroyer, he would witness history.
As a range finder, it was Caygle’s job to site the targets and give the coordinates to the ship’s guns. His station was about 60 feet above the ship’s water line.
“There were a few times I had to duck out of the way of waves,” Caygle said of the rough weather he witnessed.
Caygle was aboard the Niblack on the way to Iceland, when a merchant ship was torpedoed and sunk in April 1941. The Niblack was picking up the survivors, and when an enemy submarine was spotted, the captain ordered depth charges be dropped.
The official version of the incident says the depth charges scared off the submarine. Caygle, however, disagrees.
“I was there and saw the junk and debris in the water,” he said. “In my opinion we sunk it.”
Caygle and the Niblack were involved in escort duty when the Reuben James was torpedoed and blown in half in October 1941. This ship is considered to be the first U.S. Naval ship lost in World War II.
Caygle was aboard when the Niblack took part in a support convoy to Casablanca after the Allied landings on the Moroccan Coast. He also saw action during the invasion of Sicily, entering Palermo Harbor aboard the Niblack following the capture of the city by the Allies.
After the Niblack sustained damage to some of the ship’s hydraulic systems in 1944, the destroyer headed for New York to undergo repairs. She was ported for a week while being repaired.
“I slept most of the time we were there, we had been so busy,” Caygle said. “At times, we were at general quarters two or three days at a time.”
After heading back out to sea, Caygle was involved in the invasion of southern France in 1944. The Niblack and the Gleaves were the only two destroyers in the 8th Fleet that qualified as fighter director destroyers.
He was transferred in 1945 to Electric Hydraulics School in Washington, D.C., and parted company with the Niblack. The ship went on to the Pacific.
Caygle was discharged from the Navy in 1948. He returned to Lake County, settling in Painesville Township to raise a family. He retired from truck driving in 1983.

Family picnic at Post 112
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host a family picnic at 2 p.m. Saturday at the post home. The picnic will feature Whipples the Clown at 2:30 p.m., kids games at 3 p.m. and Jungle Terry at 4:30 p.m. For details, call the post home at 440-428-7893.

Painesville Legion hosts flea market and garage sale
American Legion Post 336 Annual Color Guard Flea Market and Garage Sale will be 9 to 5 p.m. today and Saturday at the post, 60 Chester St. in Painesville. Table space is available for $5 per table outside and $7 per table inside, per day. For details, call 440-357-7711.

Chardon VFW has rummage sale
Chardon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host a rummage sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Saturday at the post home. No furniture or clothing will be available. For details, call the post home at 440-285-3699.

BALD run rolls out of Painesville Legion
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host the Annual BALD Run (Bikers Aiding Local Diabetes) June 29. The run is $15 per person, bike or automobile. First bike out from Post 336 will be at noon and last bike to the Post at 5 p.m., with four stops on the run.
Breakfast will be served at 10 a.m. BALD Run Inc. is a nonprofit organization, with proceeds benefiting those in this area affected by diabetes and assisting them in the management and care of their disease. Tickets are available at Post 336. For details, call 440-357-7711.

Event will help veterans in need
A family fun event at the Geauga County Fairgrounds, 14373 N Cheshire St. in Burton, will be noon to 4 p.m. June 30. The festivities will feature music by Switch, motorcycle pulls and drag races, a 50/50 raffle, a food vendor, military vehicles, a special motorcycle and more. Donations will be accepted at the gate. All proceeds will benefit the newly formed Veterans Housing Fund, a joint project of the Burton-Middlefield Rotary and Geauga Habitat for Humanity.
This event will mark the conclusion of a 50- to 60-mile escorted motorcycle ride through the county that is expected to draw hundreds of riders, led by Geauga County Sheriff Dan McClelland and Midge, the smallest police dog. The motorcycle riders will begin arriving at the fairgrounds at noon, as the fun gets underway.
Geauga Habitat for Humanity will be accepting confidential nominations of veterans in need. Nominations also can be sent to Burton-Middlefield Rotary Ride, P.O. Box 516, Burton, OH 44021. For details visit BMRMotorcycleRun.com or HabitatGeauga.org.

Catholic War Veterans at festival and air show
Catholic War Veterans Post 1959 of Lake County will host a membership/poppy drive, 50/50 raffle and TV raffle at the St. John Vianney Catholic Church Festival, July 11-13; and at the Gathering of Eagles event slated for July 12-14 at Lost Nation Airport in Willoughby. For information about the group call Second Vice Commander Ken Kirchner at 440-257-2156 or visit cpd2195@yahoo.com.

Reverse Raffle benefits Wounded Warriors
Mentor VFW Post 9295, 8682 Mentor Ave. in Mentor, will host a reverse raffle beginning at 5:30 p.m. July 13 at the post home. The evening will include side boards, a 50/50 drawing, and a $1,000 giveaway. Dinner will be served 5:30 to 7 p.m. followed by the drawing at 7:15. Tickets are $20 donation and all proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warriors. For details call the post at 440-255-3473 or Bud Spreng at 440-255-2917.

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 the end of June already, where does the time go?
The coming week will bring the Fourth of July with all of the trimmings. This is the holiday when every American celebrates independence from England gained through revolution. Good, bad or otherwise, the country has survived and will continue to survive for years to come.
In my opinion, the country has survived because we all have a voice in what happens to us.
We voice that opinion by voting for our leaders. If we do not like the way things are going, we can vote them out of office. Voting may seem like a small thing to many, but in the grand plan it is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly.
This may seem just a little premature since elections are in November, but a gentle reminder to register to vote and exercise the American right to be heard can never come too early.
The politicians will be asking for that vote, so why not give them what they ask for? Independence always comes with responsibility.

Poppy sale a success
Palmer-Roberts American Legion Auxiliary Unit 214 of Willoughby hosted Poppy Days on four Saturdays in May at the Willoughby Farmers Market.
The Auxiliary Unit table was set with poppies, membership applications and other American Legion Auxiliary brochures and patriotic wrapped candy. On the first Saturday, Willoughby Mayor David Anderson stopped by, donated to the fund and got poppies for his staff to wear in the Memorial Day parade.
The unit had a very profitable month at the market, and the money raised will help veterans. Poppy funds can only be used to assist veterans, with much of the money helping to support the Veterans Affairs hospitals, as well as hospitalized and homeless veterans.

Geauga Honor Guard always available
Geauga County residents have an honor guard available to perform full military funeral services for any service man or woman.
The Honor Guard, led by Sgt. at Arms Newell Beaumier, is available with a few days notice, and most local funeral directors are aware of the group’s existence. For information or details, call Bo at 440-834-8764. Please leave a message if there’s no answer.

Texas Hold’em to benefit Young Marines Trip
A Texas Hold’em Benefit begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Jefferson Eagles, 133 S. Spruce St. in Jefferson.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the tournament begins at 6. There will be a $55 buy-in and a 75 percent payout. Hot dogs and chips will be provided pre-games and post-games. The Eagles Club bar will be open to tournament players.
All proceeds will benefit the Ashtabula County Young Marines’ trip to Washington, D.C. For details, call Doc Lee at 440-275-1079.

Auxiliary hosts Chinese Auction
A Chinese auction sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 7 at the post home. Doors will open at 11 a.m. For details, call 440-285-3699.

Airplanes gather again at Lost Nation
The United States Aviation Museum will sponsor Gathering of Eagles XVI July 14 and 15 at Willoughby Lost Nation Airport. Get close to the machines that protected our freedom and talk with some of the pilots and crew who flew them.
The event is $12 for adults; $6 for children ages 4 through 12 and children younger than 4 will be admitted free. For details, call 440-759-4148 or visit www.usam.us.

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.

Since so many people have asked me about Marine Week, I thought I would say this once and put all the questions to rest.
No, I did not attend Marine Week. My schedule did not allow me enough time to visit the event. Besides, every week is Marine week at my house.
I say this because my husband, stepson, two brothers, a niece, a nephew and two uncles all served in the Marine Corps at one time or another. I am proud of all of them and my home reflects that Marine Corps pride.
I understand that it was a great week and that the Marines did a super job. (Would we or should we expect less?)
I watched many of the aircraft fly over my house as they made the turn back to Cleveland. The Osprey was an interesting sight — such an odd-looking aircraft. It would frighten me empty, but full of Marines it is intimidating.
I have been accused of cutting down a large maple tree to get an unobstructed view of the airplanes overhead from the picnic table in my yard. This is false — I admit it allows for better views of the aircraft, but it was not the reason we had it removed.
Maybe the next time the Marines land in Cleveland, I will be able to attend.
Gathering of Eagles
The Gathering of Eagles air show will return to Willoughby Lost Nation Airport July 14-15.
The annual show is a weekend event that will allow those attending to get up close and personal with the aircraft and the pilots who fly them. This year, the show also will feature men and women veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam who will be available to answer questions and talk about their time in combat.
Rides will be available on some of the aircraft for an additional fee. Tickets for the show are $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 4 through 12 years; children younger than age 4 will be admitted free.
Please remember that the appearance of aircraft will be contingent upon weather, mechanical conditions and crew availability. The aircraft are crewed and maintained by volunteers.
Geauga County Rotary Ride June 24
The 7th Annual Rotary Ride Motorcycle Run to benefit Geauga County veterans will start at 10 a.m. Sunday.
Sponsored by the Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club, the ride will leave from Harrington Square, between McDonald’s and Walmart) 15561 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east of Route 44) in Middlefield.
Enjoy 50 to 60 miles in beautiful Geauga County escorted by Sheriff Dan McClelland and his deputies.
The run will be rain or shine
“Rain or shine, because the veterans didn’t stay home when it rained,” McClelland said.
There is a $25 registration, passengers are free.
A 50/50 raffle (winner must be present to win) and lunch at the end of the ride, compliments of sponsor Dave Harrington, are part of the fun. Registration will be 8 to 10 a.m. Register and pay online; all those registering in advance receive a free gift. For registration and information, visit www.bmrmotorcyclerun.com
Mentor American Legion Golf outing June 30
Mentor Post 352 American Legion Post 352, Ninth District, will host its annual golf outing at Black Brook Golf Course, 8900 Lake Shore Drive in Mentor. All proceeds will benefit the Mentor American Legion’s Lake Erie Scholarship for veterans and other student and youth activities in the community. For details, call Bob Zonneville at 440-257-6448.
Texas Hold’em tournament to benefit Young Marines
The Ashtabula County Young Marines will host a Texas Hold’em tournament beginning at 5 p.m. June 30 at the Jefferson Eagles, 133 S. Spruce St. in Jefferson.
There is a $55 buy-in and a 75 percent payout. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for pre-games and the tournament will begin at 6. Hot dogs and chips will be provided pre-games and post-game. The Eagles Club bar will be open to tournament players. For details, call 440-319-9351. All proceeds will benefit the Ashtabula County Young Marines.
AMVETS food for a Friday night
AMVETS Post 109, 7847 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake, is serving steak dinners 5 to 8 p.m. on Fridays. Dinners are $10. Not enough appetite for a dinner? Try one of the post’s burgers. For details, call 440-257-9217.
VFW Auxiliary to host Chinese auction
The Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host a Chinese auction 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 7. The event will be held at the post, located across from Sage’s Apples. For details, call the post at 440-285-2699.
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.