Building from the Heart

Neptunians to Make Major Announcement at Upcoming Event
            At an event named “Building from the Heart,” the Neptunian Woman’s Club of Manhattan Beach will be making an important announcement about its 90-year old historical Clubhouse. The event will be held at the Clubhouse located at 920 Highland Avenue from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, and will include dinner, wine, entertainment and a raffle. Tickets at $75 per person are available through www.neptunians.org or by calling 310-283-2266. Proceeds will go to the building fund to help with much needed repairs and renovations.
            The clubhouse was built in 1925 and, during World War II, served as a canteen for soldiers passing through town and as headquarters for the local Red Cross. Today, in addition to being used for Neptunian meetings, it is regularly utilized for civic and public service functions. It serves as an election day polling station and a donation center for Red Cross blood drives. It is also rented by individuals and organizations as a venue for meetings and events.
            The Neptunians, themselves, were founded in 1909, when Manhattan Beach was home to only 600 people. Ten women, who didn’t even have the right to vote, came together with the mission of creating an independent city of Manhattan Beach. They helped achieve not only that but also a local school district and police and fire services. They opened the first library, established the first school, were behind the botanical garden and started the original Boy Scout troop.
            Beginning its second century of service, the Neptunians continue to be a force in the South Bay. The 250-plus active members of this non-profit 501(c)3 are dedicated to supporting educational, environmental, and civic projects. It holds an annual chili cook-off to benefit the Manhattan Beach Firefighters’ Burn Foundation. Its members can be found selling cookies before the Manhattan Beach Fireworks to benefit the Roundhouse Aquarium or wrapping Christmas gifts at the Manhattan Beach Village Mall to support scholarships for Mira Costa and El Camino students. Other recipients of its donations include the USO, Miller Children’s Hospital, Community’s Child, and the Mira Costa School choirs.