Wednesday, September 07, 2011
 
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VFW: New name, new community mission

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[September 07, 2011]  The former Veterans of Foreign Wars Cronin Brothers Post 1756 building at 915 Fifth St. has a new name: the Freedom Hall Event Center.

(Pictured are Gus Otto and Michelle Ramlow with the shed being raffled off at a Nov. 11 drawing.)

HardwareThe name change was announced by Michelle Ramlow and Gus Otto, both members of the Lincoln VFW.

They wanted to make it clear that although changes are beginning at the building, the Lincoln VFW chapter is still alive and well in Lincoln. Ramlow is the current commander of the VFW, the first woman to be elected at the Lincoln post, and Otto is a lifetime VFW member. The two are part of a committee known as Vets 11 that is now responsible for the day-to-day operations as voted on by the VFW members.

Ramlow and Otto explained that the Vets 11 membership includes VFW members, VFW Auxiliary members, as well as the Marine Corps League and nonmembers of the post. The committee members also are investors, with the group planning to change the fortunes of the post, which has been facing economic hardships for several years.

The pair said the reason for the name change is part of a concerted effort to change the image of the VFW into a new one, where the community will want to use the facility for their special events.

"A VFW should be a place where veterans are taken care of that also offers a community service," Ramlow said.

She noted that the community's exceptional support in a fundraiser two years ago helped get the VFW out from under dire financial straits, but once everything was caught up, the hall began to struggle once again.

"There wasn't a business plan. And you have to run this as a business," Otto added.

There has already been one significant change within the building. Christine and Wes Fuchs have opened the Bunker Bar and Grill in the basement.

The couple totally reworked the basement with fresh paint and new tables and chairs. The theme of the interior is perfect for the building, displaying pictures and memorabilia that reflect the sacrifices of our servicemen and women.

But that is only the beginning for the Vets 11.

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Plans are being formed for the upstairs hall to be refurbished as well. Otto said the mismatched rectangular tables and old chairs will be replaced with more friendly round tables and new chairs. The upstairs will also see fresh paint and other wall and floor treatments to bring it to the point that the community will want to have special events at the center. The old, unattractive bar will also be history.

"We want to make this a premier place where people will want to have their special events," Ramlow said.

The committee also plans to actively seek additional funds to help the center grow. Right now, a shed built and donated by Ken Harnacke is being raffled off at a dollar a chance or six for $5. Tickets can be purchased at the center, with the drawing to be held on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

The committee plans to have several more fundraisers, and Ramlow said the community will be kept abreast of them as plans are solidified. Both Ramlow and Otto envision that long-term, the new center will be able to not only get back on firm financial footing, but will also be able to help other organizations in the community in some way with their fundraising projects.

[By MIKE FAK]

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