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(WNY News Now) – Jamestown, N.Y. – WNY News Now recently sat down with Gary Loll, Club Steward of the IRA Lou Springs Veterans Club, ILS Veterans Club for short, located at 364 Fluvanna Ave. in Jamestown, to discuss what the club has to offer and the improvements they wish to make.
The ILS Veterans Club started out specifically as a Legion, and has since taken in many other local military organizations that had seen their membership decline. They now serve as the location for the AMVETS Post 726 and VFW Post 53, as well as their associated auxiliaries and Sons of organizations.
However, despite opening its doors to these organizations, the club itself has suffered the same issue of declining membership that plagues many local establishments. Their current operating hours are from 3 p.m. to close Monday through Friday. They currently host pool leagues on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, which keeps the club open later than Thursday and Friday, which depend primarily on turnout.
The club boasts some of the lowest drink prices in town, and members have stated that they enjoy the location for its low-key atmosphere.
You need to be a member of a military organization to join the ILS Veterans Club. They also offer social memberships, which provide the ability to use the facilities without the voting rights of a full member. The club has a bar area with a pool table, a dining area that can sit up to about 100 people, and a limited kitchen facility that can be rented. Though the facilities are somewhat dated, the club offers some of the lowest rental rates in town, which are further reduced for club members.
The club has a few major renovations and improvements that it wishes to make once funding is accrued. The two main projects are repairing the club’s heating system and doing a complete renovation of the kitchen area.
To help secure funds for these tasks, the club is hosting burger nights on Tuesday and Wednesday, where patrons can purchase burgers, chicken wings, and fries. Feedback to the food has been very positive, with many claiming it to be the best food they’ve eaten before. These dinners are currently being held from 5 to 7 p.m., though hours may change depending on turnout.
Those wishing to learn more about the ILS Veterans Club can contact Gary for any questions at (716) 969-9215. The club can be contacted directly at (716) 664-7538, though this phone is generally only manned when the club is open. You can also visit page, ILS Veterans Club.