Plains VFW Post 3596 gets a new, improved look
Plains Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3596 has been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but members took advantage to perform some interior work that they believe patrons will appreciate. (Scott Shindledecker/Daily Inter Lake)
Robyn Largent, right, and his son, William Largent, work on an exterior door before installing it at the Plains Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3596. The father-son team own Sanders County Locksmith after buying it from local man Earl Edrington last December. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)
The casino at Plains Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3596 was moved to the other side of the building and now has its own space and more room for people to move. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)
Plains VFW Post 3596 officers, including club manager Gary Jenson, center, work on plans for the re-opening. It closed March 27 due to an order by Gov. Steve Bullock due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)
When patrons of the Plains Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3596 venture inside, hopefully soon, they’ll be in for a pleasant surprise.
When Post 3596 shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic March 20, the men in charge decided it was a good time to make some much-needed changes to the building.
“We’ve planned the work for months, but until the shutdown, we weren’t sure when we’d get it done, but thanks to the governor, it’s taken us about two weeks to do everything,” said club manager and Navy veteran Gary Jenson.
Members have done quite a bit of work while local contractors took on tasks, too.
For those whom to love to play the video gambling machines, they are now located on the opposite side of the building from where they were originally located. There are 16 machines at Post 3596.
“We know people are going to like the changes,” Jenson said. “There is more space for people to move around and I think they are going to get wore out.”
Jenson has been a life member since 2007 and he became the manager last September.
A new floor was installed by Navy vet Ron Kilbury, Jenson and assistant manager Callie Timmer.
A new bar was installed near the pool table.
New, and heavier, outside metal doors were also installed by the family-owned business, Robyn and William Largent of Sanders County Locksmith.
An attempted break-in sometime in December didn’t result in any losses for the post, but it did give leadership an idea heavier and more secure doors weren’t a bad idea.
They also put in new paneling, installed more shelves and installed 150 feet of red, white and blue lighting around the ceiling.
Another thing some may not know about is the eight-lane bowling alley that is found in the basement. Another feature of Post 3596 is the large banquet hall which Jenson said probably is the biggest in the county.
The Post is looking forward to resuming its popular open mic night as well as hosting various community events and shows.
Once Post 3596 reopens, its hours will be 10 a.m.-midnight Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Jenson said a new cash register has been installed and patrons can use credit cards for the first time.
Jenson also said the 200-member Post 3596 is welcoming new members and is open to public as well. He said food would be served a few nights, too.
“For those who want to join, we just need to see their DD 14 (certificate of release or discharge from active duty),” Jenson said.