Bedfordtimesregister.com - Veterans Beat: Dealing for poker run begins in Bedford Heights

by Ron Seman
One of many public events for the benefit of our troops will take place Aug. 17.

The 6th Annual Poker Run for the Troops will assemble in Bedford Heights at The Handle Bar, 24951 Aurora Road. All proceeds will benefit the USO of Northern Ohio.

Betty Crow, a volunteer, serves as USO event coordinator. She says the first motorcycle will depart at 11 a.m., with the last bike or vehicle out at 1 p.m. All of the participants will return to The Handle Bar by 4 p.m. Those unable to ride bikes can take part by riding in their personal autos or by joining with others going on the run. Discounts will be available for full cars.

The cost of riding your motorcycle in the event is $15 for a single and $25 for a couple.

Participants in the run will be given a route they are to follow. Bikers will stop at veterans posts in Streetsboro, Ravenna, Aurora and VFW 3290 in Maple Heights. At each of the stops, bikers will receive one of five cards needed to complete their poker hand.

When all of the participants have returned from the run, volunteers will pull two cards out of a bag and award a prize to the best and worst hand. Following this bit of business, refreshments will be available and entertainment will be provided by The Burnt River Band.

Crowe is challenging all of the veterans posts in the area to step up with a financial donation for the USO. I am proud to endorse and support this challenge that is needed to fund this popular program so much enjoyed by members of our armed forces. Checks can be mailed to Betty Crow, 14607 James Ave., Maple Heights, OH 44137-4118. Donors will receive a letter from the USO to confirm receipt of the gift.

Funds generated by the Poker Run will be used to purchase items for the CARE packages the USO sends to the troops. Some 200 CARE packages are mailed to the troops every month. Problem: USO does not get free postage, so donations are needed to cover the cost of these mailings.

Crowe reminds us that more than 1,600 members of the Ohio National Guard have been deployed to a theatre of combat for the first time since World War II. And she adds, "50 of our 3/25 Marines were deployed recently for their second tour in Iraq."

For more information, call Crow at 216-663-7342.

CWV 1812 IS 50: Cmmdr. Steve Dzurnak and President Ruth Balewski of Catholic War Veterans Post 1812, Garfield Heights, say the post will celebrate the 50th year of its founding Aug. 10 at Sammy's in Legacy Village in Lyndhurst. A noon Mass at St. Monica's Church precedes the 2 p.m. reception and dinner. Dick France, the lone surviving charter member and post commander, has been working on this event for more than a year. He promises a great time for all members who attend. At last report, some 300 people will attend. For more information, call France at 216-663-7560.

AL 309 NOTES: Cmmdr. George Cooper of American Legion Post 309 and Auxiliary, Maple Heights, says a 50/50 drawing will be conducted at the post on the last day of every month at 8 p.m. Cost is $1 per ticket. Funds raised will be set aside to cover the costs associated with the annual Children's Christmas party. Also, a corn roast will be Aug. 9. Questions? Call the post canteen at 216-662-7768.

AMVETS 80 IDEAS: Cmmdr. Jim Soltis and President June Nemec of AMVETS Post 80 and Auxiliary, Maple Heights, are looking for some good and reasonable suggestions on how to keep their organization financially strong in the years ahead. So put on your thinking caps and submit your ideas to the commander, president or adjutant. As the numbers of post and auxiliary members continues to diminish, and little if any new members are signing up, it definitely is a time for novel and dramatic approaches to previously successful programs.

VFW 1082 PICNIC: Cmmdr. Bill Scholle and President Dina Battista of VFW French-Bartlett Post 1082, Bedford, say their annual picnic is set for Aug. 9 from noon to 9 p.m. at Woodside Lake Park in Streetsboro. The day includes a 50/50 raffle, bingo, door prizes, instant bingo tickets, kids games, LCR, Mexican horseshoes and more. The post will furnish hamburgers, hot dogs, corn, pop, water and draft beer. If you plan to attend, please bring a covered dish or dessert. Cost for ages 13 to 54 is $3, while kids 12 and younger and seniors 55 and older will be admitted free. Also, note that the post will sponsor a pig and chicken roast Aug. 23. Donation is $35. For tickets, call John Lemponen, 216-475-5097, Mike Guyer, 440-773-2835, Bill Scholle, 440-962-3330, or the post canteen, 440-232-9035.

VFW 3290 NOTES: Cmmdr. Jack Nichols of VFW Post 3290, Maple Heights, reminds members and interested non-members that the post's meetings are on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. The next meeting is Sept. 4. For details on current post activities, call 440-439-5098.

INFO, PLEASE: I know that many of our veterans and ladies are off on vacation during these summer months, so fresh information is slow in coming. For those of you who are in the neighborhood, take a moment to advise me of your organization's plans for the fall season. Send your material to Ron Seman, 5811 Renwood Drive, Parma 44129, or e-mail: SemanRJ@aol.com. Thanks!

REMEMBER our men and women serving America in Iraq and at other posts around the world. Write a letter, send a package of goodies and remind your favorite service man or woman that you pray for them and support them in their vital mission. Thanks! God Bless them! And God Bless America!