This is sickening. Our VETS? The Anti's could care less WHO they hurt. But they are there pushing sholdiers overseas so THEY don't have to go!
Posted on 09/19/2002 4:33:32 PM PDT by SheLion
Old veterans clubs don't die - they just fade away because their members join clubs in other towns where they can smoke a cigarette in peace.
There are seven private and charitable clubs in Weymouth: the Sons of Italy, Elks, Eagles, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and, until recently, two Veterans of Foreign Wars posts.
All are frequented by veterans. All are losing revenue and members because of the smoking ban now in effect, according to South Weymouth attorney Edward Clancy.
If the town does not repeal the provision in the recently enacted smoking ban that applies to private clubs, the group will have no choice but to file an injunction in superior court, said Clancy, who is representing the clubs at no cost.
One veterans organization, the John D. Martin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post on Derby Street, has reportedly been sold to a catering company.
The Sons of Italy Hall on Whitman Street has closed the doors on Bingo games because of a drop in attendance. Bingo was the source of much of the money the Weymouth Sons of Italy donated to charitable causes.
"It looks like the Sons of Italy will no longer be able to give out scholarships to Weymouth High students," Clancy said.
Hall rentals, another source of revenue for private clubs, have declined.
Clubs are reporting anywhere from a 30 to 40 percent loss of income, according to Clancy.
Volunteerism has also declined.
Restaurants and bars in other towns that have challenged smoking bans have not prevailed in court. However, private clubs have yet to make a court challenge.
"This is a new area for municipalities to be in," Clancy said. "The Weymouth Board of Health and the town have overreached into a private area that it is not up to the town to regulate."
He added, "A lot of the members of these clubs are veterans who fought for our country. They have given so much. To have the town put in place a smoking ban that affects them so much and does not affect those who put it in place seems like a slap in the face to them."
Should the town continue to enforce the ban on smoking in private clubs, Clancy is confident that Superior Court in Dedham will grant an injunction to lift the smoking ban until the matter is resolved.
Clancy is urging town residents to call Mayor David Madden's office in support of lifting the ban on smoking in private clubs.
"We are holding out hope that the town will come to its senses," Clancy said. "This is a private club, private choice issue. Men and women who belong to a private club should be able to regulate its activities, including whether or not smoking is allowed. Reaching in to regulate a private club is one step from reaching into the home and saying that smoking is banned there."
While nobody wants to take the town to court, the clubs will do so if necessary, said Fran Tucci, three year commander of the George R. Bean American Legion Post 19.
"Our veterans groups are not getting the money in, and the members are not coming in for activities," Tucci said. "It hurts us a lot. These are our private meetings. We hope the town doesn't fight us, but if it does, we are prepared. We are determined to keep our clubs going."
This is sickening. Our VETS? The Anti's could care less WHO they hurt. But they are there pushing sholdiers overseas so THEY don't have to go!
Your reading my mind. I want to send along some mail as well!!!!
CONTACT TOWN COUNCIL
towncouncil@weymouth.ma.us
Phone: (781) 335-2000
Fax: (781) 335-3283
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am - 4:30pm
After hours: (800) 297-5733
CONTACT THE MAYOR
David M. Madden, Mayor
constituentservices@weymouth.ma.us
Board of Health
Address
Town Hall
75 Middle Street
Weymouth, MA 02189
Contact & Hours
Phone: (781) 340-5008
Fax: (781) 682-6112 Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am - 4:30pm
The Board of Health serves in an advisory capacity.
The Board of Health consists of five persons appointed by the Mayor.
Karen F. DeTellis, Chairman
Gary Peters, Clerk
Maureen DelPrete
Karen Curreri, R.N.
Richard Wetterberg
STAFF & email addresses
Richard Marino, Director: rmarino@weymouth.ma.us
Daniel McCormack, Chemical Inspector: dmccormack@weymouth.ma.us
David Kaplan, Health Inspector: dkaplan@weymouth.ma.us
Mary Williamson, Health Inspector: mwilliamson@weymouth.ma.us
Diane Lambe, Public Health Nurse: dlambe@weymouth.ma.us
Stephanie Weir, Public Health Nurse: sweir@weymouth.ma.us
Jean Conway, Public Health Nurse: jconway@weymouth.ma.us
Rose Marie DeCastro, Tobacco Coordinator: rdecastro@weymouth.ma.us
Annette Cignarella, Secretary: acignarella@weymouth.ma.us
Winnie O'Donnell, Clerk: wodonnell@weymouth.ma.us
I searched for email and/or fax info for the clubs listed in the article and attorney Edward Clancy and drew a blank. :`(
I know it. I tried Google. But it wouldn't bring up independant clubs. Just one home page. I am still searching.
I can't understand this. The clubs are for VETS. The City Council never ever goes in there anyway. What is UP with them! Or maybe one or two go for Bingo and their prissy noses just can't take it. ~sigh........
The smoking NAZI's don't care..... the talk shows has been all over this one, with no results.
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