Salute to the veterans

After two events in support of veterans in December, Elks Lodge 2855 of Lakewood Ranch began preparing for an Open House on Jan. 9.

The two December events included a luncheon to honor 36 veterans at the local lodge, 4908 Lena Road, Suite 104. The guest speaker was Linda Craig, who is the head of Manasota Operation Troop Support.

Representatives of the lodge traveled the next day to Bay Pines Medical Center in St. Petersburg to hand out gifts to those at the veterans hospital.

The open house will feature hamburgers, hot dogs, a variety of soups and beverages. It begins at 1 p.m. and runs through 10 p.m. and features live entertainment. Anyone attending is asked to bring their own lawn chairs. The event benefits the new facility fund.

For more information about the open house, contact Christine DiMarco at [email protected].