Smoking banned at West Chester VFW post

WEST GOSHEN » The air has cleared at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 106.

The VFW was one the last places smokers could light up and smoke inside.

The 2008 Indoor Clean Air act forbid smoking in restaurants and enclosed work places, but allowed torching up at private clubs. It was a decision left up to individual organizations.

The board of directors voted to forbid smoking in the 150 seat banquet room and 75 seat canteen or bar, on Aug. 27. Smokers now use an indoor lounge.

“All organizations are going non-smoking because people find it offensive,” member John O’Neal said. “Private clubs can make their own decision.”

Mike Ricci, VFW commander, was worried that changing the

rules might have a negative impact, although children and wives who wouldn’t come before are starting to meet at the VFW.

“I don’t want to chase the smokers away,” Ricci said. “A lot of older veterans still smoke.

“We’re trying to attract a younger crowd.”

Joan Faddis, of the auxiliary, said the move at the 772 member club was “long overdue.”

Jan Christner, manager/ steward, said employees are “all pumped up” for the added opportunities the ban will provide.

The camaraderie, with or without butts, is intense. Anyone who served in a combat area is eligible to join. There are also social memberships for family members and auxiliary memberships available.

“No matter where you served, you talk to other vets,” Ricci said. “Nobody’s going to say, ‘I don’t want to hear it.’”

O’Neal agreed. He said that conversations often start with a basic question, “Where were you?”

“To be able to talk about the experiences is good for everybody,” O’Neal said

The VFW hosts wedding receptions, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries and charitable events.

Although a beer only costs $2 at the nonprofit, the canteen generates a good income, with 60 percent of profits donated to local groups, including the Boy Scouts, fire departments, Little League and SPCA.

In addition, the organization will sometimes pick up the tab for veterans who are having a tough time paying the electric bill.

For more information go to http://vfwpost106.org/.