Western Springs, La Grange plan Veterans Day observances

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Updated: December 11, 2011 8:12AM

La Grange and Western Springs veterans’ organizations have planned events to recognize fellow servicemen and women Nov. 11, raise funds for a high school group honoring veterans and collect items for patients at the Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital.

Western Springs VFW Post 10778 is sponsoring a fund-raiser from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at Francesca’s Bellezza, 75 S. La Grange Road, in La Grange. The restaurant has agreed to donate 15 percent of diners’ bills to benefit LTTV, Lyons Township High School’s cable TV station.

The Western Springs VFW will hold its annual Veterans Day observance at 10:45 a.m. Nov. 11 at the Grand Avenue Community Center, 4211 Grand Ave. Post members and guests will meet at the memorial plaque and conduct a ceremony to honor veterans.

The Robert E. Coulter, Jr. American Legion Post 1041 will hold a traditional Veterans Day observance at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at 900 S. La Grange Road in La Grange.

The Western Springs VFW arranged the restaurant benefit in appreciation of LTTV’s programming honoring veterans. Funds collected will help the school’s TV Club with various equipment purchases and for expenses to attend the National Association of Broadcasters convention in the spring.

LTTV produced a documentary in May sharing the experiences of a group of World War II veterans attending an Honor Flight recognizing their service with a trip to Washington, D.C.

Students from the station also tape the annual Memorial Day parade and observance in Western Springs and produce a monthly show, “Veterans Viewpoints,” hosted by VFW Post Cmdr. Chuck Bosko.

“The LT students and staff give an incredible amount of support for the numerous veteran events,” Bosko said. “By airing veteran events and ceremonies, LTTV helps remind viewers of the incredible sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.”

The La Grange American Legion Auxiliary is collecting toiletries and underwear for patients at Hines. Items not supplied by the hospital but needed by veterans, especially those in long-term care, include sweatpants, sweatshirts, underwear, socks and slipper socks, in all sizes, but especially large through 3X.

Toiletries being sought include travel-size containers of shampoo, conditioner, hand and body lotions, shaving cream, disposable razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and alcohol-free mouthwash.

A complete list is available at www.coulterpost1941.org.

Donations for the auxiliary’s collection will be accepted during the American Legion’s pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 13. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 4 to 12. The menu features pancakes, sausage, coffee, orange juice, tea and milk.