Thanks to an infusion of pass through federal through funds provided by the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, the $1.2 million remodel of the American Legion Post 249 Hall in downtown Manteca will be completed by July.
Legion members are now working to make sure they have funds to equip their new kitchen and provide other items such as chairs and much.
You can help the effort by buying tickets to a drive thru ravioli dinner taking place Monday, March 31, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Noni Vita, 823 S. Mellon Ave.
The $25 ticket includes ravioli, Caesar salad, garlic break, and dessert.
Tickets are available through Marco at 209-815-2107 or Rich at 209-923-3354.
When completed, there will be new bathrooms, a new kitchen, a remodeled meeting and dining area that can accommodate to 110 people as well as office and storage space for 110 people.
It will also have wrought iron security fencing.
And unlike what existed prior to work starting, it will all comply with American with Disabilities Act standards.
The hall built in 1929 as a gathering spot for veterans who have served America has the capacity to seat 110 — one 20th of Manteca’s population at the time.
The hall, however, over the years has been more than simply a place for veterans to gather to support each other and to seek assistance.
For decades, it was also “the” community gathering spot in Manteca.
Manteca residents would flock to the Legion Hall for various community gatherings.
Even with its limitations, the hall still serves as a community gathering space for Manteca. Prior to the remodel, it was routinely booked for wedding receptions and other events to help breathe life into the 100 and 200 blocks of East Yosemite Avenue on the weekends.
There is a huge demand to rent the hall due to it being smaller and less expensive than other venues such as the nearby MRPS and FESM halls that are often booked solid.
The Legion post is actively seeking new members.
Membership if $40 a year
For more information contact Jeff Aksland at 209-454-0268.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
