Notes from the Editor

 

    Finally! On May 29th, we got some easing of the self-quarantine and stay-at-home restrictions by the Governor!

 

    We are now moving into Phase Three of the Governor’s five-phase plan to reopen the state. We still have to wear a face mask or cover our faces in some manner when venturing out in public, and still practice social distancing. Each reader can interpret that as they wish.

 

   The VFW Post Home remains closed, but the Canteen will open, with restrictions, on June 1st. Restrictions include: alcohol may be served only outside on the patio, with limits on the number of patrons allowed in the area at any given time. Masks or face coverings must be worn while being served. Social distancing must be observed. No more than six (6) persons per table, with a limited number of tables available.

   

    The Board of Directors and the bartenders are trying to anticipate any problems or difficulties beforehand, but there are always going to be changes made, according to the changing situation in our County and our Country. Please work with us as we navigate this uncharted territory!  

 

    More on the re-opening later in the newsletter.

 

    Fathers’ Day is Sunday, June 21st. If possible, call, message or video chat with your father, and thank him for everything he has done for you!  

 

    If you, or a veteran you know, or their family, is in need, please contact a Post officer of the Roscoe VFW by phone or email. Depending upon the situation, we may be able to help. We remain committed to our mission of helping our veterans, our community and our active duty troops.  

 

     Tom Cleland, Editor

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A Few Observations:

    Half of us are going to come out of this quarantine as amazing cooks. The other half will come out of it with a drinking problem!

 

    I used to spin that toilet paper roll like I was on Wheel of Fortune. Now I turn it like I’m cracking a safe.

 

    My body has absorbed so much soap and disinfectant the last two months, that when I pee, it cleans the toilet.            

 

    During the middle ages, they celebrated the end of the plague with wine and orgies. Does anyone know if they have anything like that planned when this coronavirus ends? (Just asking for a friend!)

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VFW and VFW Auxiliary Monthly Meetings

 

    The VFW monthly meeting scheduled for June 2, 2020, at 7:00 PM will be held at the Post Home. Face coverings must be worn, and social distancing will be observed!

         

    The VFW held a Special meeting on May 14th to elect officers. The following is a list of the duly nominated and elected VFW officers for the coming term:

 

Commander: Ruben Hernandez;

Senior Vice Commander: Bill Graves;

Junior Vice Commander: Brad Neuenswander

Quartermaster: Morrie Buffo;

Adjutant: Tom Cleland;

Chaplain: Gary Holmes;

Judge Advocate: Tom Cleland;

Surgeon: John Rossato;

Three Year Trustee: George Young;

Two Year Trustee: Rodney “Rooster” Engelkes;

One Year Trustee: Bob Johnson;

Four Year Board Member: Jeff Weaver;

Three Year Board Member: Chuck Ingle;

Two Year Board Member: Gene Mund;

One Year Board Member: Steve Preston.

 

    The Roscoe VFW 2955 Auxiliary will meet a week later, on Tuesday, June 9th at 7:00 PM in the Hall. More information may be forthcoming from your Auxiliary President, Ann Stenberg.    

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From Commander Ruben Hernandez:

REF: Open for business, June 1, 2020

 

    The Board of Directors is glad to welcome everyone back, after having gone through very stressful, strenuous and unfortunate situations with regards to COVID-19.

 

    As we open up our Post for business, it will not be “business as usual”. We all need to follow GUIDELINES set forth by the State, County, and local rules, or face the consequences of being closed down again. This Pandemic is not over, by any means, so let’s ALL agree to do what it takes. “SAFETY FIRST” is our number one PRIORITY. The Board cannot make it more clear than this: what affects one, affects all of us.

   

     Let’s all be patient with our STAFF as we return back different-than-normal conditions. We must overcome and adapt according to the situation, as we start back on the path to normalcy.

 

    For your information, the Board of Directors has always maintained communications through ZOOM meetings. We had a Special Post meeting, under COVID-19 regulations, where Post Officers were elected. I commend the Board for their excellent teamwork in overcoming many obstacles. I also commend the Auxiliary for its open communications with its members.

 

    In closing, a reminder that the Board will be here to assist our Staff, and to act as the eyes and ears of the Post to make this as safe a transition as possible. Thank you, in advance, for your patience, and WELCOME BACK!

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From Auxiliary President Ann Stenberg:

    Welcome to Phase 3, and hopefully the onset of better times ahead!  

 

    The Auxiliary will hold a meeting on Tuesday, June 9th at 7:00 in the Hall. Masks will be required, and social distancing will

be observed.

 

    Thanks to everyone who participated in the parade and presentations to Harlem High School grad Jackson Cross. He is leaving for US Army Basic Training on June 2nd. Good Luck!  

 

    The VFW Patio is open for business, under certain rules and regulations. Please work with the bartenders and other staff!  

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THE VFW IS BACK IN BUSINESS!

   The VFW is open for business beginning Monday, June 1st at 10:00 AM, although in a limited capacity. The Canteen and the Post Home will not be open; alcohol may only be served outside on the Patio.

 

The following are rules and restrictions that will be in place:

1. Masks must be worn to enter the Patio area; social distancing will be maintained.

2. There will be only one entrance into the Patio, and one exit out. These will be marked.

3. There will be no entrance into the building. Porta-Potties have been brought in to be used instead of the restrooms.

4. Tables will be at least six (6) feet apart; there can be no more than six (6) people at a table.

5. Per the State of Illinois, the gaming machines are still off-limits; no machines!

6. At this time, Pull-Tabs will not be sold until we are better able to get a handle on what our operations will be.

7. Hours of operation: Sunday - Thursday; 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM.

                                   Friday & Saturday;   10:00 AM - 12:00 AM.

8. Canned and bottled beer, only; no draft beer will be served at this time.

9. Plastic cups, only, for mixed drinks.

10. No food service is available at this time.

 

     The Board of Directors is asking for your cooperation with our bartenders and staff at this time. This is a work-in-progress; regulations, our selection of products and working hours may change at any time. Since we are outside, our service is very dependent upon the weather!

 

    PLEASE COOPERATE; THIS VENTURE DEPENDS UPON ALL OF US WORKING TOGETHER!

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Spring Blood Drive:

    Chuck Ingle reports that the Spring Blood Drive May 13th at the Post Home, resulted in 31 total units of blood collected. Thirty-four donors showed up, of which two were new donors. With the blood donated, a potential of ninety-three lives will be saved. Thanks to all who donated or showed up to donate.

    Remember, our next Blood Drive is scheduled for August 12, 2020.

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Memorial Day Parade and Services    

    Although the annual Memorial Day Parade had to be cancelled because of COVID-19 concerns, the Roscoe VFW Color Guard, along with members of the VFW Auxiliary, plus the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department, showed up at 11:30 AM on Memorial Day to conduct a shortened, but meaningful, Memorial Ceremony to honor our fallen Comrades. Thank you to everyone who participated or showed up to render their tributes. .

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High School Graduate/Military Enlistee

    On Sunday, May 31st, members of the Roscoe VFW Color Guard, along with members of the Auxiliary, led a motor cavalcade, and then stopped to honor, Harlem High School graduate, and US Army enlistee, Jackson Cross. Jackson had to forgo not only his Senior Prom, but also his Graduation ceremony because of COVID-19 concerns. So, Senior Vice Commander Bill Graves was asked if the VFW could honor this young man, who is leaving for Basic Training on Tuesday, June 2nd. Bill organized the parade and ceremony in short order, and Jackson was presented with several mementos from the VFW and Auxiliary, prior to his departure. Good Luck, Jackson!

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MILLER PARK BUS TRIP

     Roscoe VFW is sponsoring a bus trip to see the Milwaukee Brewers vs. the Chicago Cubs on August 9, 2020 at 1:10 PM. The bus will leave the VFW parking lot at 9:30 AM. There will be drinks and snacks on the bus. The seats are in Section 203. Tickets are $100 per person, with only 45 tickets available. Sign up with your friendly bartender by June 5, 2020.

NOTICE!! This trip will take place only if the Major League Baseball season takes place this summer. All monies will be refunded if MLB does not play.

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AS OF THIS TIME, ALL UPCOMING EVENTS IN JUNE ARE ON HOLD!

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH OUR POST WEBSITE, roscoevfw.com, FOR UPDATES AND CHANGES!  

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Historical Happenings

June 6   - D-Day: Allied Invasion of Europe (1944)

June 14 - Flag Day; US Army founded (1775)

June 20 - First Day of Summer

June 21 - Father’s Day  

June 22 - Pledge of Allegiance recognized by Congress (1942);

               GI Bill signed into law (1944)

June 25 - Korean War began  

June 30 - Post 9/11 GI Bill signed into law (2008)

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A Few More Observations:

    I know this. When this ends- and it will- every game will sell out, every restaurant will have a 2-hour wait, every kid will be glad to be in school, everyone will love their job, the stock market will skyrocket, every other house will get TP’d, and we will all embrace and shake hands. That’s gonna be a pretty good day.

    HANG IN THERE, WORLD!

 

    A man was sitting reading his newspaper when his wife came up and hit him in the head with a frying pan.

    “What was that for?” the man asked.

    “That was for the piece of paper with the name Betty on it that I found in your trouser pocket.”

     The man then said, “When I was at the races last week, Betty was the name of the horse I bet on.”

    The wife apologized and went on with her housework.

    Three days later the man is watching TV when his wife bashes him in the head with an even bigger frying pan, and knocks him unconscious.

    Upon regaining consciousness, the man asked his wife why she had hit again.

    The wife replied, “Your horse phoned!”

 

 

    Hard to believe I once had a phone attached to a wall. When it rang, I had to answer it to know who was calling. It’s amazing I’m

still alive!

 

 

    I still have a land line. Or as I like to call it, “a cell phone finder.”

 

 

    Pretty busy today. Was only able to check my phone 1400 times.

 

 

    Fear does not stop death; it stops life. Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles; it takes away today’s peace.        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

         

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

   

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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