Building a place for Vets to call home
Veterans seek longer lease to secure new post
BY MARY LANCASTER INDEPENDENT WRITER
With luck, the new Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8608 will open next year on Bunker Road in a 158-foot-long building that will be nearly three times the size of the former headquarters, complete with air conditioning, a sprinkler system and a commercial kitchen.

It has been next to impossible to find a place to gather the VFW's 100-plus members since about six years ago when the original post in Tom Nevers had to be demolished because bluff erosion had reached within 30 feet of its foundation. The building committee and trustees have met as regularly as possible since then, and almost three years ago enough money had been raised to have the new building's foundation poured, but it has been slow going.

In order to complete the structure, a mortgage of approximately $1.3 million is needed. VFW member Bert Johnson explained that the town is leasing the airport area Bunker Road property to the VFW for one dollar a year for 25 years. The problem is, three years have passed since the lease agreement began, and the banks that members have spoken to about financing want a longer lease behind a 30-year loan.

The VFW has asked the selectmen to add another 25 years to the lease, but the town is waiting for a letter from the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program indicating that no significant species exist on the land. Johnson said only broom crowberry has been found in the area and the VFW put up a fence so no one walks there. Just in case the letter does not arrive prior to Town Meeting, the VFW has submitted a warrant article asking for the extra 25 years so they can finish their building.

The upcoming days will be busy for the VFW. Johnson said on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. there will be a veterans' service at the Federal Street war memorial next to the town building with the Reverend William Oliver officiating. On Monday, Nov. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. the VFW will host a fundraiser pig roast and barbeque at Faregrounds Restaurant to help pay bills incurred during work on the new post. Soon after that LaFleur Crane Service is expected to complete the installation of roof panels and gable end trim on the building.

Johnson said most of the building's shell is finished and, once the electrical and mechanical elements are laid, a concrete truck will pour the floor utilizing an opening left for that purpose on one end of the building.

One-third of the interior of the new post will be a bar and kitchen for the members. The remaining two-thirds will be an open space that can be divided by a temporary wall and will hold a large commercial kitchen. The idea is to make the new building an attractive venue for wedding receptions, antique shows and other events that will support the operation of the post. Johnson said last spring Instant Shade donated and planted six full size trees that are growing well and contribute nicely to the landscaping.

Bob Grimes, a charter member of the island's VFWwho started it in 1946 with 15 other men, said the local chapter is named the Robert and Sydney Henderson Post in honor of the two sons of former deputy police chief William Henderson who were killed in combat during World War II. The VFW provides a meeting place for war veterans, commemorates military holidays, helps widows of veterans, funds youth groups such as Babe Ruth baseball and

hosts free classes for tradesmen. I