Building & Grounds

     As I started to write down what has been done in the past few years, I realized that we have a great Post, but we can always make additional improvements. Listed below are the major improvements since our last Kilmer Report. I will take up with building and grounds activities since August 2004, the last time any information was recorded in The Kilmer Report.

     In August 2004 a totally new roof was put on the main roof of our Post with an additional 6 inch added onto the pitch to help with a better runoff and new scuppers were put in place to accept the water.

     In February 2005 the Ladies and Men Rooms in the upper hall were completely renovated which included new tile, toilets, partitions, sinks and ceilings. New quick flush and self flush toilets and urinals were installed to help conserve water and save money.

     In April 2006 a new fire escape by the upstairs kitchen was installed to bring the Post up to code. An enclosed glass area was put into the stair entrance to the bar.

     In November 2006 the renovation of the upper main hall was completed. This involved lowering the drop ceiling to 14 feet and around the exterior walls to 10 feet, thus leaving the center of the hall higher. This was done to conserve heat and to improve all lighting. Air conditioning was rerouted for better efficiency and also changed the appearance of the hall. In addition 4 large 5x6 windows were installed facing the parking lot and the pavilion. The Ladies Auxiliary added valances to the windows. This renovation resulted in a different view we now have of the Post and property and a great view it is looking from the outside and looking out from the inside.

     In December 2006 the Ladies and Men’s Rest Rooms in the down stairs Bar area were completely renovated as the main hall rest rooms were done.

     In April 2007, Milltown experienced a very severe rain storm. The water level in the Farrington Brook, just behind the Borough Hall, the Brookside Swim Club and more importantly the Borough electrical sub station rose to just three inches from the substation. Because of this, the Borough had no choice but to turn off the electric within Milltown. For nearly 24 hours, Milltown had no power in the entire Borough. Because of this, the sump pumps within the Post did not work and the Post wound up with about six inches of water in the ground floor. When the electric was finally turned back on, the sump pumps began working and the water was discharged out of the lower hall. Milltown, along with other municipalities within Middlesex County were declared disaster areas by the Federal Government and we therefore applied for a FEMA loan to rebuild any damaged part of the building. From this the Post had to tear out the rug on the ground floor as well as the tile below the rug. A new tile floor was installed. The walls were inspected and determined to be wet but not structurally impaired.

     In May 2007 a new 12x36 foot vinyl coated shed was bought and delivered. This shed was bought to shelter a new lawn wagon and golf cart and many other items to numerous to mention. The golf cart was donated to the Post by County Freeholder and Post Member David Crabiel through the Middlesex County Recreation Commission.

     In February 2008 the walls and ceiling in the lounge and bar area were completely renovated. The ceiling over the bar has 2 lower and raised areas to make the area more appealing. 2x2 ceiling tiles were installed for appearance and sound. All wall paneling was removed which were heavily damaged from previous floods. All walls were repaired where needed. Wainscoting was placed on the bottom half of the walls and the top half was spackled, sanded and painted. Exit doors were replaced to meet code qualifications.

     In March 2008 the Post parking lot was repaired and repaved. All soft areas were dug out and refilled. Parking areas were re-striped.

     In February 2009 two new emulsion sewer pumps were installed to replace the old system.

     In May 2009 the foyer to the main entrance of the Post was renovated. Old paneling was removed, new sheetrock was installed, walls were spackled, sanded and painted.

     Many other significant projects were completed such as the revamping and dedication of the Bill Thomson Memorial Park, with grass and flowers. Most important was a new bronze fallen soldier battle monument of an inverted rifle with a helmet and boots which was placed in the center grass area of the park. This memorial statue was half paid by the Post and half paid by Mr. and Mrs. William Koch in memory of their son CPL Steven R. Koch who gave his life on March 3, 2008 while serving in Afghanistan.

     Many park benches have been donated to the Post and placed at the Veterans Memorial Pavilion for the comfort of visitors and friends.

     In August 2009 a completely new security system was installed in the Pot building.

     Although many members have in one way or another helped in projects I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a very special group of people who helped not only in renovations, but in cooking, planning, and completing many functions within the area of Building and Grounds. My thanks go to:
          John (Spike) Adochio               John Majewski
          George Borgstede                   Al (Coach) Murasko
          Frank Curran                          Tom Murray
          Ron Dixon (Commander)         Bob Richards (PPC)
          Dick Farnham                         Tony Vigilante
          Jim Lynch (SAL member)         John Visokay

     I hope this report helps enlighten our members and friends on what Post 25 has completed over the last few years and hopefully will maintain in the future.

                         FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

                         Richard Craparotta (PPC) - Chairman, Building and Grounds