Saugus VFW embraces new post

SAUGUS – When J. Pace & Son bought the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2346 last year and tore down the old building to make way for a bigger store, Joe Pace promised the veterans a new home and he delivered.VFW Business Manager Jack Plunkett, last week, sat at a long stretch of granite topped cherry wood that makes up the new bar in the 4,900-square foot space the post now calls home.When asked how the new hall compares to the last, Plunkett laughed and shook his head.”There is no comparison,” he said.The old hall was historic and sentimental because it was home for more than 50 years but no one would have described it as having panache. The new post has panache enough to bank, or as Plunkett will tell you, is a little more Marriott than VFW. But the photos on the wall and the insignia on the window valances remind you where you are.Heading into the entrance at the back of the lot, through a small foyer, visitors can’t help but be struck by the bar. Behind the shiny granite are cherry wood cabinets and shelves along with two big-screen televisions. Golden orbs hang from the ceiling to light the bar, giving it a warm glow even on a sunny spring morning.Plunkett points out the post’s security system as well, which includes several cameras behind the bar trained on various areas in the post that allow the bartender to keep an eye on everything from one vantage point.The room is another surprise.”It looks smaller from outside,” Plunkett noted. “It’s deceptive.Cherry wood tables and chairs with navy seats, four tops and high tops fill the room along with two semi-circular banquettes. A smooth stone glass-encased gas stove warms one side of the room while the other side is given over to meeting space and play.Along the northwest corner of the room is a podium for meetings. On the wall hangs a picture of Sgt. Arthur F. DeFranzo, for whom the post is named. Plunkett notes there should be a light over the picture that burns 24/7.”We have to get that hooked up,” he said.Along a partial wall on the opposite side that forms an alcove hang the post’s charters.In the back of the alcove a dismantled pool table leans up against one wall while a shuffle board table waits for attention along another. Plunkett said both would soon be ready for action.The area was designed as an alcove, Plunkett said, pointing toward a movable wall tucked into a slot in the wall, so it could be shut off from the bar area. That way, he explained, the post can hold a meeting without being forced to close down the bar.With the wall wide open the room can seat 72 or 100 for standing room only, which Plunkett is hoping to test this weekend when the post has its formal opening. Plunkett said the post will have a soft opening Wednesday, Thursday and Friday so staffers can learn the new computer system.Saturday at noon there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony, short speeches and music all day long.Plunkett, along with colleague Stanley King, said they are thrilled with the new place.”It’s the best deal we could have made,” Plunkett said. “I have nothing but good things to say about Joe Pace and that’s the truth.”