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CHICOPEE The fa ade of Chicopee Amvets Post 12 may look a bit weathered but the spirit of giving back to our veterans (and the community) has not changed since its charter days more than 60 years ago. "The camaraderie is overwhelming," said city resident Dick King, a former post commander who now serves as entertainment chair with assistance from his wife Paula. The couple, along with Friday night dance instructors Randy Pelletier and fianc Doreen Ollari, both of Springfield, spoke to Reminder Publications on a recent Wednesday evening at the post headquarters at 754 Montgomery St. King noted that club officers are in the planning stages of a building makeover, however, a mandated sprinkler system had to take priority this year over other building projects. "We have a prime location but we need curb appeal," added King. What they do have plenty of is the spirit of giving. "Making friends and helping friends (in particular veterans) is at the heart of our organization," said King, adding, "we have a very active membership." King emphasized that volunteers pitch in and help out veterans as well as provide community service throughout the year. As recent examples of their charitable works, club members donated a 65" television to the Holyoke Soldiers' Home, and will host a picnic for those veterans later this month at the South Hadley Sportsmen's Club. "The more people pitch in the more we can do," said King. King noted that post members raise funds throughout the year and try to fund as many causes as possible. The Holyoke Soldiers' Home is their primary focus, however, the club has donated to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Leeds Hospital, Lorraine's Kitchen and the South Hadley Sportsmen's Club. "We give back $10,000 to $20,000 a year to the community," said King. The post raises funds through a variety of venues, including cover charges that go toward to the Holyoke Soldiers' Home Fund, and from line dancing lessons on Friday nights from 6:30 to 8. Pelletier and Ollari charge $2 for the lesson. In addition, the post started offering country music on Friday nights that follows the dance lessons. "The charge for the lesson is $2, half of which goes toward the cost of providing the lessons (buying music, equipment), and the other half we contribute through the Amvets to the Soldiers' Home," said Pelletier. Pelletier and Ollari both agreed that while it's a thrill to see someone dance who never danced before, in reality what they enjoy most is the many friends they have made over the past two years doing what they love, as well as knowing their efforts are contributing to a worthwhile cause. "Randy and Doreen have done a tremendous job for us," said King, adding, "the club is a nice place to come to on a Friday night." Paula King also emphasized that from a woman's perspective, the post is a "clean, safe and friendly place to go where you can make friends." The post recently renovated its hall which boasts a 40' x 30' hardwood dance floor flanked by a colorful hand painted oil mural of a Vermont landscape drawn by area resident Frank Carter. The nonprofit organization is open to the public, and welcomes all honorably discharged United States veterans for membership, as well as current members of the Reserves and National Guard. The post also offers a Ladies Auxiliary, the Sons of Amvets, and the Amvets Riders Group. For more information on the post, call (413) 533-8060 or send an e-mail to amvet12@msn.com. | ||||||
