A salute to those who saluted vets

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Updated: December 18, 2011 5:15PM

Although it was a week ago, the memory of a packed Applebee’s restaurant, with so many hats and shirts designating veterans, is still vivid.

What a special gift from a national restaurant chain — inviting all veterans to a complete meal as a thank-you for their gift of service. Whether it was steak, shrimp or chicken, the servings were enough for two meals.

Thank you, Applebee’s, and any other businesses or groups that showed their gratitude to our military men and women, young and old, for their service. From what I heard, many vets shared their wartime stories, which added to the special nature of the day.

It’s not even near graduation time, but the Porter County Career and Technical Center, 1005 N. Franklin St., Valparaiso, has scheduled a series of open houses so high school students and their parents can view the programs offered there and at satellite locations. The opportunities in vocational education are amazing.

At the PCCTC, students can study — among other things — auto mechanics, marketing, computer technology, sports and entertainment, video, health care, and construction.

Seven schools offer several choices — Boone Grove, Hobart, Morgan Township, SELF, Ivy Tech Community College, Wheeler and Portage, and also Don Roberts Beauty School.

Careers such as culinary science, criminal investigation, early childhood education, emergency technical rescue, landscaping, dental and medical fields, and more can be researched.

For more information about times and locations of the open houses, visit the website www.pccte.org or call 531-3170.

If you would like to see what high school students can accomplish through the center, visit the home that Duneland Building Trades students built in Jackson Township. It has been awarded a five-star efficiency rating.

The house has three bedrooms, 21/2 baths and is on 1.6 acres. The exterior is as beautiful as the inside. Call to Boulder Bay at 508-3241 to schedule a tour.

Happy 40th birthday to the Boys & Girls Clubs, and thanks to all staff members and volunteers who continually provide not just fun and games for children, but a great learning environment and a safe place for students to “hang out” after school. They can do homework, make friends and learn life skills.

I hope their commitment to kids grows for another 40 years, with God’s blessings.

You are my pet persons of the week.

Most of us will be thinking about and shopping for all the food that will grace our tables next week on Thanksgiving. Some extra snacks and yummy desserts likely will complement the special feast.

While doing that holiday food shopping, please fill an extra bag with supplies and take it to a food pantry for those who will not be sitting down with family and friends next Thursday.

It will make your dinner taste even better.

Then, I hope you have a great day because you deserve it.

Thanks for reading.

Fly your flag.