Process begins to reopen the Marina Grange.

The Marina Grange has sat empty for nearly three years, leaving a community meeting space off-limits in a city that has limited options for gatherings.

In late April, volunteers gathered at the grange hall to begin the process of reopening the facility.

Joseph Stefenoni, president and CEO of the California State Grange, says for the grange to be brought back to life, it must have at least 13 people, ages 13-and-a-half and older, apply to become members of the Marina Grange. Then, they need to write their bylaws, elect officers and create an activity program for the first year of operation.

Stefenoni says granges spearhead a number of projects, including educational events, food distributions and more, with the goal of improving the community they are located in.

“In a society that is becoming increasingly divided socially, politically and economically, the Grange is a place where all members participate on the same level as equals,” he says. “Creating a space to create positive change through collective action, and creating a space for nonpartisan civil discourse. It is time for all communities to put the ‘we’ back in ‘We the People.’”

The grange building at 213 Carmel Ave. in Marina needs only cosmetic work. according to Stefenoni. Because the nearby Marina Club Casino uses the grange’s parking lot, the two entities need to come to a sharing arrangement, Mayor Bruce Delgado said.

Another meeting is scheduled for June 20. Anyone interested in participating can email jstefenoni@castategrange.org or membership@castategrange.org.