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LCRA and Bandera Electric Cooperative representatives present a $25,000 grant to Bandera American Legion Post 157 for building upgrades. Seated are: Bandera County Judge Richard Evans; American Legion Adjutant Dennis Birchall; American Legion Members-at-Large Dr. Theresa Schulz and Roderick “Rod” Goff; BEC Communications Specialist Kati Fitzpatrick; BEC Marketing and Communications Manager Charity Huber; BEC Marketing Design Specialist Hannah Culak; and BEC Marketing Specialist Callie Cargile. Standing are: American Legion 2nd Vice President of Programs Rick Olivarez; American Legion Member-at-Large Marcie Perez; American Legion Chaplain Christopher “Chris” Dion; BEC District 2 Director Frances “Fran” Laue; American Legion Commander Susan Junker; LCRA Board Members Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, Michael L. “Mike” Allen and Carol Freeman; American Legion Members-at-Large Martin Ferguson and Alan Zimmel; LCRA Regional Affairs Representative Kate Ramzinski; and Wired Right Electric Owner Toby Burns.
Courtesy Photo
January 3, 2024
Bandera American Legion receives $25,000 grant from LCRA, Bandera Electric Co-op
The Bandera American Legion Post 157 will update its electrical system and make other upgrades to its building, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Bandera Electric Cooperative.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $10,500 in matching funds from the legion, will replace an outdated electrical system and provide new LED lights, fans, smoke detectors, exit signs, electrical outlets and restroom vents in the building.
“This project is about providing a safe, dependable and energy-efficient electrical system that will address the needs of the Legion and enhance the experience of every person who enters,” Commander Susan Junker said.
The 102-year-old American Legion building is located in the heart of Bandera. It can accommodate about 110 people and frequently is used for community events, including weekly bingo nights.
Junker said the American Legion has been reluctant to advertise the building as a rental space because someone with electrical knowledge had to be present in case electrical issues arose. The dated electrical system has affected the quality of service the American Legion can provide to veterans and the community, she said.
“Our veterans and their families need a safe haven where they can walk in, enjoy a free bottomless cup of coffee worry-free, and share a moment with someone who understands them,” Junker said. “The American Legion is the patriotic home for everyone and should be a quality place to be.”
These upgrades are the last part of a capital improvement project the American Legion started in 2015. It will enable the group to conserve energy and better serve the community.
“Without this grant, another two to three years of internal fundraising and unpredictable donations would have been required to complete this project,” Junker said. “We are excited to advertise a safe, high-quality environment that the entire community can enjoy and are grateful for this grant opportunity.”
The community grant is one of 45 grants awarded recently through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund capital improvement projects in LCRA’s wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. The program is part of LCRA’s effort to give back to the communities it serves. Bandera Electric Cooperative is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the grant program.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted this month. More information is available at lcra.org/cdpp.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $10,500 in matching funds from the legion, will replace an outdated electrical system and provide new LED lights, fans, smoke detectors, exit signs, electrical outlets and restroom vents in the building.
“This project is about providing a safe, dependable and energy-efficient electrical system that will address the needs of the Legion and enhance the experience of every person who enters,” Commander Susan Junker said.
The 102-year-old American Legion building is located in the heart of Bandera. It can accommodate about 110 people and frequently is used for community events, including weekly bingo nights.
Junker said the American Legion has been reluctant to advertise the building as a rental space because someone with electrical knowledge had to be present in case electrical issues arose. The dated electrical system has affected the quality of service the American Legion can provide to veterans and the community, she said.
“Our veterans and their families need a safe haven where they can walk in, enjoy a free bottomless cup of coffee worry-free, and share a moment with someone who understands them,” Junker said. “The American Legion is the patriotic home for everyone and should be a quality place to be.”
These upgrades are the last part of a capital improvement project the American Legion started in 2015. It will enable the group to conserve energy and better serve the community.
“Without this grant, another two to three years of internal fundraising and unpredictable donations would have been required to complete this project,” Junker said. “We are excited to advertise a safe, high-quality environment that the entire community can enjoy and are grateful for this grant opportunity.”
The community grant is one of 45 grants awarded recently through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund capital improvement projects in LCRA’s wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. The program is part of LCRA’s effort to give back to the communities it serves. Bandera Electric Cooperative is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the grant program.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted this month. More information is available at lcra.org/cdpp.