A fully remodeled clubhouse marks the beginning of a new era for the Neptunian Woman's Club of Manhattan Beach. On Thursday, June 6, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., the club will open its doors for a community open house to show off the new facility (located at 920 Highland Ave.).

"It's a new take on an old classic," said Jan Fleming, the club's president.

The 110-year-old Neptunian Woman's Club is the oldest civic organization in the South Bay. Founded in May 1909 by Mrs. Jessie Bell Smith, the club started when ten local women came together with a goal of having an immediate impact on the town of Manhattan Beach. Before women even had the ability to cast a vote, they were the driving force behind Manhattan Beach becoming its own city with its own fire, police departments, and school district.

The club supports local community and military-related nonprofits, and it provides scholarships to local students. Since 2014, the club has donated more than $125,000 in-kind and financial donations and spent countless hours volunteering and supporting local organizations.

The original clubhouse was built in 1924 at the Highland Ave. location and was expanded in 1956.

The newly renovated clubhouse is available for rent for private events including wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, reunions, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, meetings, plays, memorials, and more. It holds up to 160 people and it has a stage, a theater-style screen, surround sound, four restrooms, and a large kitchen. 

Rental rates range from $150 per hour for weekdays, up to $1,750 for the day for a Saturday rental (plus a $350 cleaning fee).

Proceeds from the clubhouse rental cover the operating expenses of the club and net proceeds go toward The Neptunian Woman’s Club Scholarship Fund.