Changes bring new life to clubhouse
By John Faucher
The famous fish fry at New London’s VFW Post 2732 is coming back by popular demand.
Learman-Schaller Post 2732 is bringing back the tradition with a limited soft opening on Sept. 11 and then bringing it back every Friday afterward.
Tim Roberts, senior vice-commander of Post 2732 said, “It’s been the goal of many members to bring back the fish fry for a long time.”
The last fish fry at the clubhouse was in 2012.
“We wanted to have a soft opening for our first night to work the kinks out,” said Roberts. “So we limited it to 150 people Sept. 11.”
Members sold 150 advance tickets for a $5 deposit.
“The $5 deposit will be applied to the meal purchase that night,” said Roberts. “We wanted some sort of commitment that first night so we can plan accordingly.”
Folks will be asked to fill out a comment card after their meal.
Volunteers have been busy preparing for the return of the fish fry.
Peter McGreck of New London assisted members in the kitchen on Saturday, Aug. 15, cooking, sampling recipes, and getting the kitchen up to speed.
McGreck has a degree in culinary arts from FVTC and has over 10 years experience in the restaurant and supper club industry.
“You’ll find a few unique items on the menu,” said McGreck. “Everything in that kitchen is homemade. We’re going to keep it simple and fun to start out with, and then build on it.”
McGreck works full-time as an over the road truck driver, but has scheduled time off work to volunteer and help bring back the fish fry.
“The excitement in the community for it is tremendous,” said McGreck.
“It’s fun. We are really geared up for it. I feel honored to be part of that.”
McGreck said he does not frequent taverns, but he does enjoy the relaxing environment of the VFW Clubhouse. That is where he first heard the talk about bringing back the fish fry and he volunteered his services.
“They’ve made a lot of improvements there and you can see people working together and really taking pride in the place,” said McGreck.
He said that once they dug in, he forgot how much work it really was to get a kitchen, staff, and new menu up to speed.
“I’ll be helping with the menu and doing the prep-work while training in kitchen staff,” said McGreck.
They currently are looking for servers, kitchen help and table bussers. Interested persons can contact the new bar manager, Bob Sager at 920-982-9971.
Roberts said overall, they are seeing new life brought back to the VFW.
“We’re veterans who want to support veterans, and we’re just trying to keep it going,” said Roberts. “We’re not for profit. The clubhouse supports the efforts of the VFW, and it is a place for everyone,” he said.
The hall is available to rent, the bar is open to the public.
Recently members put extensive work into cleaning and painting the hall, they made improvements to the bar, and they replaced the roof.
“Unfortunately we had to take a loan out for the roof, but we are having a cash raffle fundraiser to help pay that off,” said Roberts.
Tickets for the Raise the Roof Cash Raffle are available at the VFW clubhouse, the Print Shop, and Johnny’s Bait in New London. Only 600 tickets are available. Cost is $20 each. The grand prize is $3,000, second prize is $2,000, and third prize is $1,000.
The winning prize will be drawn Sept. 13 at noon, during the VFW Pancake Breakfast.
Visit the VFW Post 2732 New London Facebook page for more information, or call 920-982-9971.