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.

New members are wanted for the Forty and Eight of Lake County.

The organization is named for the small boxcars used in France during World War I to transport men and horses to the front. The cars were large enough to carry 40 men or eight horses. The narrow-gauge railroad cars carried about half of what American rail cars could carry.

The organization concentrates on projects such as child welfare programs, youth sports, Americanism and nurses training.

Once a part of the American Legion, the 40/8 is now an independent organization and accepting members who are honorably discharged veterans. The group has lost members through attrition and relocation. If you are an honorably discharged veteran who would like to be involved in charitable activities, call Joe Milmont at 440-275-1249; Amos Bartrug at 440-812-3396 or Bill Smith at 440-585-9682 for information. 

Blue Star program

The Lake County History Center Museum and Village is one of 1,300 Blue Star Museums that can be found around the country. A Blue Star Museum offers free admission to museums for all active-duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Free admission is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card. Only active duty military and up to five immediate family members (spouse or child) with these cards can be admitted free.

For details, visit Bluestarmuseums.gov or call Karen Sawitke at 440-639-2945. 

Marine Week Cleveland

The United States Marine Corps has partnered with the city of Cleveland to bring Marine Week to Cleveland.

Marine Week, which runs through Sunday, is a celebration of community, country and Corps, and provides the unique experience to directly connect the American public and the Marines.

Free and open to the public, all Marine Week events will honor and recognize Marines, including those from Northeast Ohio, for their service and sacrifice. For additional Marine Week information visit www.Marines.mil/MarineWeek.

Chardon Post hosts Annual Dice Run

Chardon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host the Sixth Annual Dice Run, with the first bike out at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Tickets are $10 a bike and $5 per passenger. There will be four stops and food provided; maps will be available at sign in. for details call 440-285-3699. 

Legion Riders to host flea market

American Legion Riders Madison Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host a flea market from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the post. Setup is at 8 a.m. and tear down at 5 p.m. Clean out the attic, garage, and basement. Cost for one table is $10 or two tables for $15. Meals will be available for purchase.

For table space, call Bernie at 440-463-8701 or Tom at 440-724-6871. Proceeds will benefit local veterans in need. 

Men’s Auxiliary hosts breakfast

The Men’s Auxiliary of VFW 8548, 7604 Lake Road E. in Madison Township, will host a sausage gravy and biscuit breakfast 5 a.m. to noon Sunday. The breakfast will benefit the Men’s Auxiliary and will be $5 for adults and $3.50 for children. For details, call the post at 440-428-3050.

Legion golf outing aids scholarships

Mentor American Legion Post 352 will host a golf outing June 30 at Black Brook Golf Course in Mentor. The post is looking for sponsors. Sponsorship supports the Lake Erie Scholarship for Veterans and other student and youth activities. The sponsorship also promotes businesses. Hole sponsorships are $100.

For details about sponsorship opportunities, call Bob Zonneville at 440-257-6448 or Doug Koman at 440-257-9077. 

Texas Hold’em event

The Ashtabula County Young Marines will host a Texas Hold’em at the Jefferson Eagles, 133 S. Spruce St. in Jefferson, at 6 p.m. June 30.

Doors will open at 5 p.m. The cost is a $55 buy-in and a 75 percent payout. Hot dogs and chips will be provided before and after the games. Come out and play to support the Ashtabula County Young Marines. For more information, visit www.acyoungmarines.com

Picnic table raffle for Wounded Warriors

Men from Middlefield and Middlefield United Methodist Church have come together to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. The men have built a patriotic-themed picnic table that will be raffled off during this year’s Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks at the Geauga County Fairgrounds.

For details, call 440-632-0480. 

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.