Getting to know your local bartender: Janelle Kaminski
There are a number of places on the island where people gather to surround themselves with those who share similar experiences and outlooks on life. Among them is the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4353 in St. James City. The VFW is a service organization that is open to veterans with a DD 214. Those who have served in World War II to present day battles in the Middle East gather to swap war stories and discuss current events and privy to these conversations is the assistant bar manager, Janelle Kaminski.
“I had worked in a big bar in Chicago for 12 years before coming to the island and the VFW is a nice change for me. I feel very comfortable here and the people are talkative and friendly,” said Janelle. “The hardest part is you become friends with people and it is difficult to lose them so I make a point of savoring the time I have with them.”
Janelle moved to Pine Island just days before Hurricane Charley hit the island and now lives in Bokeelia. Her mother, Pat, and husband, Parker Knox, have also lived on the island since 2003.
The following are the answers Janelle provided on her bartender questionnaire:
1. Astrological sign: Cancer
2. Birth place: Chicago
3. How long have you been working here: 4.5 years
4. Vanilla or chocolate: Decisions, decisions, decisions
5. When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up: Oceanographer
6. What’s your drink of choice: Nelies Nectar, secret recipe
7. Do you have a collection or hobby: cooking
8. Who would you want to play the role of you in a movie: Susan Sarandon
9. Where do you see yourself in 10 years: In a happier state of mind
10. Who was your celebrity crush on in high school: Tom Selleck
11. What is your absolute biggest pet peeve: People that lack common sense
12. What’s your favorite pastime: The water — I’m either in it or on it every chance I get.
13. Which cartoon character to you most relate to: Tweety Bird
14. If you were a wild animal, what would you be: A mermaid, mythical or not?
15. If you were on a deserted island, what one thing would you want with you: Walmart distilled water
16. Who has been the biggest influence in your life: My dad, Ernest K.
17. What is your favorite sport to watch: The NFL
18. What is your favorite TV show: “The Closer”
19. Do you have any pets: Yes, a beautiful black cat named Samoya
20. Describe yourself in one word: Meticulous
The commander of the VFW Post 4353 is Lynn Grover along with acting commander Larry Guy. The post serves lunch from noon to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some specials. On Friday nights, the post offers dinner specials with live entertainment, and on Saturday afternoon live entertainment is also offered. On Sunday, the post will serve bar burgers and karaoke with Bob Betz. Breakfast is also served from 9 to 11 a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of the month.
Those interested in joining the VFW are welcome to visit the post located at 8150 Stringfellow Road in St. James City and ask the bartender on duty about what qualifications are needed to join.