October / November 2023 - What’s Happening at the Post
_____________________________
Veterans Day Event at the post – Service on 11/11 @ 11:00AM
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Villa Park VFW 2801, Partnering with Villages of Oakbrook Terrace and Villa Park, will host a Remembrance presentation at the Post. Join us at 10:30AM for complimentary coffee and pastries, followed by a Remembrance Presentation at 11:00AM. There will be a piano Concerto as well as the St Alexander’s Choir to provide the musical back drop. You are invited to stay after the presentation for complementary food and socializing.
10:30 Free Coffee and Donuts
11:00 Remembrance Presentation
Plus, Musical Ensembles: Piano Concerto, St. Alexander’s Choir
Free Food to follow
Thanksgiving at the Post for Basic Training Recruits
Our Thanksgiving tradition continues as we welcome 50+ basic training recruits from the Great Lakes Naval Station to enjoy a fully prepared Thanksgiving dinner on us. The recruits will receive a warm welcome from Post 2801 members, Auxiliary members and the public, when they arrive at the post at 9:00AM. Our Naval recruits will be treated to morning coffee and pastries, then a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. They will also have access to phones and laptops to call home.
The Post can always use volunteers, whether cooking, serving, busing, or welcoming…
Hot Dog Days continue – Lower Level
Did someone say, “Free Hotdogs”?
Free Hot Dogs will continue through October every Tuesday 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Free Hot Dogs for several Bears Games – next 11/05 @ noon
$1 Hot Dogs for Military Academy Games – next 11/04 @1:00 PM Army vs Air Force
see post Facebook page for complete game schedules
Pancake Breakfast at the Post – December 3rd
Was it a late night on Saturday? Got a large “Honey Do” list for Sunday before the games start? Why not let the Post cook a breakfast for you? That’s right…Sunday December 3rd we will be cooking up a mess of Eggs, Sausage, Sweet Rolls, Coffee, Juice, Milk and “All U Can Eat Pancakes”
Doors Open 9:00 AM till 1:00 PM - Pancakes, Eggs, Sausage, Sweet Rolls, Coffee, Juice, Milk
Exciting Raffle Prizes – see Facebook page for additional details
Volunteers needed – call the office if you can help
Music and Dancing filled the post on October 6th with the Rhythm Rockets,
The Rhythm Rockets provided live music, those attending were treated to a Swing dance lesson and open dancing continued till 11:00 PM. Dave Downer, the band leader of the Rhythm Rockets, is a valued volunteer at our Post. Since 1996, The seven piece Rhythm Rockets have been performing all over the Midwest and beyond of their vintage style of Swingin’, Rhythm & Blues. Repeat performances are planned for Friday 11/3/23 and Friday 12/1/23 – It’s all ages and open to the public. There is a cover charge. Advance tickets (discounted) can be purchased at the Rhythm Rockets’ website… www.therhythmrockets.com
Bingo at the Post?
We are in the process of evaluating returning Bingo at the Post. This endeavor is not possible without many volunteers - we will need many volunteers for each session to make this happen. Watch for further details.
Queen of Hearts – Jackpot continues to grow
Get tickets in the lower level
New ways to win with new jackpot format and rules – Watch for further details in a separate email
Spaghetti Dinner at the Post - early 2024
Preliminary planning underway – watch for further details later this year
Voice of Democracy 2023-2024 Scholarships (Theme: What are the greatest attributes of our democracy?) – Reminder that Deadline is 10/31/23
Open to Students in grades 9-12 to submit an audio essay by 10/31/23
Communications went out to schools earlier this year and an e-mail recently sent to members
National winner receives a $35,000 scholarship
Post needs volunteers to listen to submissions and determine winner (call the office if you can help)
Patriot’s Pen 2023-2024 (Theme: How are you inspired by America?) – Reminder that Deadline is 10/31/23
Open to 6th, 7th, 8th Grade Students to submit a written essay by 10/31/23
Communications went out to schools earlier this year and an e-mail recently sent to members
National winner receives a $5,000 scholarship
Post needs volunteers to review submissions and determine winner (call the office if you can help)
Update on Train Show / Hobby – Toy Show at Post
Research and Evaluations continue – now targeting mid-2024 for these events
Watch for further details later this year
Post 2801 Website Update
Tech work on the “redo” of our website is in progress
“BIG THANKS” to Dave D
Lower-Level Kitchen Improvements on the way
Our Kitchen located in the Bunker Lower level is getting some new upgrades. 2 New Freezers will be installed and flooring will be replaced.
Pizza Day for Hines Veterans
Villa Park Post 2801 will partner with the DAV to bring a Pizza Day to veterans at Hines
Visits to Convalescing Vets – looking for members to participate
Looking for Members from our post to visit and recognize veterans on two days in early November – the information below was sent on 10/17/23 in e-mails to members
11/01/23 Special Celebration for a Special Veteran
On 11/01/23 a special veteran, Herb Odom, will turn 100 years old. Herb is a WWII veteran that fought in the Pacific, was awarded 2 purple hearts, and is now confined to the Oak Terrace Nursing Home. Herb is a relative to one of our members, Mike Tardy. We are looking for members of our Villa Park VFW Post 2801 to make Herb’s birthday especially memorable, simply with our presence at the nursing home on his century mark. We are planning to meet at the nursing home to bring Herb warm wishes from fellow veterans on his 100th birthday. We will meet at the entrance of the nursing home at 9:45 AM on 11/01/23. Hoping to have a great turnout for one of our special veterans. Interested in joining in on this special celebration ……Please call the office 630-834-8191 to let us know you will be attending.
What: Special Celebration for a Special Veteran – Herb Odom
When: 11/01/23 @ 9:45 AM
Where: Oak Terrace Nursing Home at 250 Village Dr, Downers Grove, IL
11/02/23 Veterans Day recognition for convalescing veterans
On 11/02/23 VFW Post 2801 will recognize and visit veterans at the Terra Vista Nursing Home. There are WWII, Korean and Vietnam Era Veterans at this nursing home. We are looking for members of our Villa Park VFW Post 2801 to make this day especially memorable for these veterans, simply with our presence at the nursing home.
We will meet at the entrance of the nursing home at 1:45 PM on 11/02/23. Hoping to have a great turnout to recognize these special veterans. Interested in joining in on this special recognition ……Please call the office 630-834-8191 to let us know you will be attending.
What: Veterans Day Recognition for convalescing vets
When: 11/02/23 @ 1:45 PM
Where: Terra Vista Nursing Home 1635 Ardmore Ave, Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Villa Park Post 2801 at Villa Park F.D. Open House
Commander JB and Sr. Vice Commander Jimmy were hanging with the hose jockeys at the Villa Park Fire Department open house in October. Thank you for all you do – see photo below (JB on the right, Jimmy on the left)
Remember: Great Food Lower-Level Thursday and Friday 5:30 to 7:30
Don’t Forget - Lots of great information on our Facebook page including Thursday, Friday Food Menu, services and offers for vets: https://www.facebook.com/VillaParkVFWPost2801/
