The doors will swing open Friday to the new home of Longs Peak VFW Post 2601 and a new era for the venerable sanctuary for local military veterans.
After a thorough makeover at the VFW’s new location at 350 Lashley Street, VFW officials will welcome its roughly 290 members and their families to an airy space for dinner and a remembrance of past sacrifices to mark Veteran’s Day. Friday’s “soft opening” of the facility allows first-time visitors to admire a gleaming cantine and state-of-the art dining hall and gaming room.
On the walls are canvas oil and ink prints of scenes from every war America has fought. The 5,000-square-foot space — which used to be a spa and yoga center — will hopefully encourage post 9/11-era veterans to help organize and take over management of the facility, said Leon Bartholomay, quartermaster for the Post who served in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine. He later retired from the Army.
“We want to turn this over to that generation of 9/11 era veterans, so they can take us into the future,” Bartholomay said.
Idania Mentana, who served in Iraq as an Army specialist, said the space was reworked to make it inviting to the families and friends of veterans. The 40-year Mentana is a graphic designer who began to help in refurbishing the facility not long after the VFW moved in on June 1.
“We don’t want that old-school smoky old bar atmosphere,” Mentana said. “We want it to be welcoming to all veterans and their families.”
The local post finally found its new home last spring after a five year search. Prior to that, the post operated at several nonprofit groups who were “very generous with us,” VFW Commander Garry Wilson told the Leader earlier this year. Members continue to perform as honor guards at veteran’s funerals, conducting support and community programs. “We kept doing what we always did … helping out with whatever we could,” Wilson said.
The post now hopes to offer rental space for various events, including weddings, meetings and reunions, Bartholomay said. “This will be a great place for family gatherings and other events,” he said. “This will be part of our new VFW.”
Friday’s event begins with cocktails at 5 p.m., a pulled pork dinner at 6 p.m. and a keynote address at 7 p.m. A grand opening is scheduled for Dec. 10
To inquire about renting the VFW facility, please call 720-680-0043.
