Applications to nominate someone to receive a Christmas Basket are available at the bar. If you know a veteran in need this holiday season please come down and fill out an application for him or her. Families of service members deployed are also great candidates to receive baskets.
We are taking donations to help cover the costs of the baskets this year. If you want to donate please either contact me (309-251-5455) or there will be a place at the bar in which to leave your donations. I encourage our members to also seek donations from the community. I am not too proud to beg for veterans' families, so I will bug you if I see you. Along with the Christmas Baskets I would like to be able to give Toys R Us gift cards to families with children. This will allow for the parents to buy gifts for their children that might not otherwise be purchased.
We will be putting baskets together and handing them out on Sunday December 21, starting at 9 a.m.
Joe Sharpe
Finance Officer
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Commission: AMVETS Building a Landmark
This blog's title was taken from the Journal Star. Here is the link to the article: http://www.pjstar.com/homepage/x1196575700/AMVETS-building-ruled-a-landmark.
On October 30th the church terminated the contract to buy the post. Yesterday the Historic Presevation Commission deemed the building worthy to be landmarked. The City Council will vote on the matter on Nov. 25th according to the Journal Star article.
I originally did not want to move but after the post voted to do so I was on board to make the best of it. We, as the AMVETS, now must realize there is no contract with the church. We can keep hope alive that the church will buy the building (if the city council votes against historic preservation) forever. How long are we going to let this drag on? How long is it going to take before the owner of the Penguin finds another buyer? If the Penguin does find another buyer the post will have to find another building, have another 2/3 majority vote to move, with advance notice given to the members. Think of the progress we can make to improve our club now.
A major reason for the move is not having an elevator. Ever since I started coming down to the AMVETS I was told that to have functions open to the public we must have an ADA compliant elevator. I even voted to spend $250,000 to put in a new elevator. We do not need a new elevator. I finally took the time to call the city to find out the facts. Currently we are grandfathered in to not have an ADA compliant elevator for public events. However, to maintain our grandfathered status, renovations to the building over a 30 month period cannot exceed $100,000 This fits into a "one floor at a time" approach. This is how a Peoria building inspector interpreted the law. I am currently waiting to hear back from a gentlemen in Springfield that handles this type of issue specifically. Please view the code http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/071/071004000F05100R.html paragraph B6.
I have taken a plumber and a union carpenter/contractor to look at the third floor. The plumber was impressed with the newer copper water lines and suggested new toilets, bathroom fixtures, and an additional toilet to the men's room. The carpenter suggested laminate flooring and paint for the walls. I did not receive a written quote from either, but the carpenter believed that if we spent over $15,000 on paint and flooring materials we would be wasting out money.
High utilities are another supposed reason to move. So far this year our average CILCO bill has been under $2,000. The roof was cited as another reason to move. I have been on the roof and, although I'm not a roofer its condition looks excellent. The point is that we can easily spend less than $100,000 in order to start renting out the third floor ballroom.
Fixing one floor at a time is not enough by itself. We must hire someone able to maintain and actively promote the building to its fullest potential. I think Liz has taught us that one motivated employee can make a huge difference to the club. I am referring to the dramatic increase in daytime business. Linda currently cannot take on further responsibility required to fill this needed position.
I thank everyone that has put time into the move and I share your frustration caused by recent events. It is now time to move on and not let our fate rest in the hands of others.
Joe Sharpe
Finance Officer
On October 30th the church terminated the contract to buy the post. Yesterday the Historic Presevation Commission deemed the building worthy to be landmarked. The City Council will vote on the matter on Nov. 25th according to the Journal Star article.
I originally did not want to move but after the post voted to do so I was on board to make the best of it. We, as the AMVETS, now must realize there is no contract with the church. We can keep hope alive that the church will buy the building (if the city council votes against historic preservation) forever. How long are we going to let this drag on? How long is it going to take before the owner of the Penguin finds another buyer? If the Penguin does find another buyer the post will have to find another building, have another 2/3 majority vote to move, with advance notice given to the members. Think of the progress we can make to improve our club now.
A major reason for the move is not having an elevator. Ever since I started coming down to the AMVETS I was told that to have functions open to the public we must have an ADA compliant elevator. I even voted to spend $250,000 to put in a new elevator. We do not need a new elevator. I finally took the time to call the city to find out the facts. Currently we are grandfathered in to not have an ADA compliant elevator for public events. However, to maintain our grandfathered status, renovations to the building over a 30 month period cannot exceed $100,000 This fits into a "one floor at a time" approach. This is how a Peoria building inspector interpreted the law. I am currently waiting to hear back from a gentlemen in Springfield that handles this type of issue specifically. Please view the code http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/071/071004000F05100R.html paragraph B6.
I have taken a plumber and a union carpenter/contractor to look at the third floor. The plumber was impressed with the newer copper water lines and suggested new toilets, bathroom fixtures, and an additional toilet to the men's room. The carpenter suggested laminate flooring and paint for the walls. I did not receive a written quote from either, but the carpenter believed that if we spent over $15,000 on paint and flooring materials we would be wasting out money.
High utilities are another supposed reason to move. So far this year our average CILCO bill has been under $2,000. The roof was cited as another reason to move. I have been on the roof and, although I'm not a roofer its condition looks excellent. The point is that we can easily spend less than $100,000 in order to start renting out the third floor ballroom.
Fixing one floor at a time is not enough by itself. We must hire someone able to maintain and actively promote the building to its fullest potential. I think Liz has taught us that one motivated employee can make a huge difference to the club. I am referring to the dramatic increase in daytime business. Linda currently cannot take on further responsibility required to fill this needed position.
I thank everyone that has put time into the move and I share your frustration caused by recent events. It is now time to move on and not let our fate rest in the hands of others.
Joe Sharpe
Finance Officer
Monday, November 3, 2008
Halloween Party a Success!
The Halloween Party was a great time! Troy, one of our bartenders, won first place in the costume contest. He's the tall one in the picture on the AMVETS website. I have not seen that many people at AMVETS on a Friday night in the last two years. I would like to thank Mike Milligan for organizing the party and preparing the chili and dogs. I also want to thank our judges Carol, Meridith, and Judy. They made the contest really fun.
I was a little disappointed to see no Veterans in costume (myself included). Only associates dressed up. Next year I'll be sure to be in costume and encourage others to do so as well.
Start getting excited for Veterans' Day! The post will open early for the parade.
I was a little disappointed to see no Veterans in costume (myself included). Only associates dressed up. Next year I'll be sure to be in costume and encourage others to do so as well.
Start getting excited for Veterans' Day! The post will open early for the parade.
Monday, October 27, 2008
AMVETS in the News
If you have been on vacation or hiding under a rock for the past couple of weeks, then you've missed a lot. Peoria's Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to hold a public hearing on whether or not to make the current AMVETS building historic. This public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12 at 8:30 A.M. in room 400 of City Hall. The commission will hear anyone that wishes to speak at the hearing for up to five minutes. The Journal Star article on the matter can be viewed here: http://www.pjstar.com/news/x76323024/AMVETS-building-may-get-landmark-status
My understanding of this process is that the commission will conduct the public hearing and either recommend to the city council that the building receive historic designation or not. The city council will then vote on the matter. The date for this vote is not yet known for sure.
This obviously has repercussions for the sale and purchase we have planned. The church has made it known that they will not buy our building if it receives a historic designation.
Leave a comment with your thoughts. Just click "comments" below.
Joe
My understanding of this process is that the commission will conduct the public hearing and either recommend to the city council that the building receive historic designation or not. The city council will then vote on the matter. The date for this vote is not yet known for sure.
This obviously has repercussions for the sale and purchase we have planned. The church has made it known that they will not buy our building if it receives a historic designation.
Leave a comment with your thoughts. Just click "comments" below.
Joe
Monday, October 20, 2008
Lunch
I feel that Liz has been doing a fantastic job with lunches at the bar. The word is starting to spread and it is apparent that more and more lunches are being served. This is the third week of lunch specials and I look forward to it continuing. Great job Liz!
If you have been down to the club for lunch lately leave a comment. How was the food? Will you come back for lunch? What has been your favorite special? Did you notice more lunches being served than usual? etc.
Joe
If you have been down to the club for lunch lately leave a comment. How was the food? Will you come back for lunch? What has been your favorite special? Did you notice more lunches being served than usual? etc.
Joe
Friday, October 17, 2008
Purpose of this Blog
Friends
I was asked by Mitch, our commander, to start a Commander's Blog in order to better inform our members, auxiliary, and associates of what is going on at AmVets. Mitch and I will try our best to keep updating the blog for your benefit. Your comments and suggestions about all things AmVets are welcomed and encouraged. Your comments will also help us gauge how the membership feels on issues affecting the post.
What's going on at the Post?
Our Halloween party, organized by Mike Milligan, is coming up on the 31st with live music from Billy Who, chili dogs, and a pumpkin and costume contest. The Auxillary has done an excellent job of decorating the club and we would like to see a good turnout. It starts around 6:30. I'll see you there.
Joe
Finance Officer
I was asked by Mitch, our commander, to start a Commander's Blog in order to better inform our members, auxiliary, and associates of what is going on at AmVets. Mitch and I will try our best to keep updating the blog for your benefit. Your comments and suggestions about all things AmVets are welcomed and encouraged. Your comments will also help us gauge how the membership feels on issues affecting the post.
What's going on at the Post?
Our Halloween party, organized by Mike Milligan, is coming up on the 31st with live music from Billy Who, chili dogs, and a pumpkin and costume contest. The Auxillary has done an excellent job of decorating the club and we would like to see a good turnout. It starts around 6:30. I'll see you there.
Joe
Finance Officer
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