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Steak & oyster dinner helps Legion effort
Legion steak Oyster 0150824 165241
American Legion members are ready to auction off firearms to raise funds to upgrade their Yosemite Avenue post. Members are, from left, George Terry, Mike Beeson, Rich Hanson and Jack White. - photo by Photo Contributed

Manteca’s American Legion members are on a mission and they need fire power in the form of cash.

The McFall-Grisham American Legion Post 249 is showing its years of wear and its former military members are bound and determined they are going to restore its pride in the military branches of veterans it serves in the 200 block of East Yosemite Avenue.

George Terry said there has been talk of a new building, adding how many in the post want to retain the historic character of the structure.

A steak and “all you can eat” oyster dinner is set for Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Manteca Senior Center on Cherry Lane. It is organized to be a first step in funding the American with Disabilities Act compliant rebirth of its building with a modern, new look. 

The first change on tap will be a concrete wheelchair ramp to be located near the front of the building that is going to provide easy access to handicapped members and their guests entering the post.  Former city planning director Ben Cantu designed the ramp and changed the direction of parking to the west side of the Legion hall. 

The ramp will go from the front to along the side of the building leading to two new metal doors wide enough to welcome the wheelchair-bound entering the structure that is being designed as a wide, flat interior without the current stage.  Stairs leading to the stage and to the downstairs area will be eliminated and a 30-foot addition is being designed to the rear of the post toward the alley. 

Construction of the ramp was bid with a construction cost of nearly $20,000, however Legion members are planning to self-contract the work for an estimated half of that cost.  “Concrete Man” Louie Wyrsch has offered to donate the concrete for the hall improvement. 

A highlight of the evening on Oct. 10 is going to be a live gun auction which will include an AR-15, Benelli 12 guage shotgun, a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol and a lady’s pink .38 caliber revolver.  Elite Arms on South Main Street provided the guns at a reduced price for the Legion.

Joe Waltman and George Terry are splitting the chef’s duties for the evening.  There will be wine on the table and the meat is being catered by Fagundes Mean.  The tickets donation is set at $45.

For further information call 612.9065 or George Terry at 823.5665, or Jack White at 838-7879 or Bob Gonzales at 612.6954.  No host drinks are scheduled at 5 p.m. with dinner planned at 6 p.m..
To contact Glenn Kahl email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3539.