Lions Project at St. Victoria

Since the demolition of the old Village Hall on Rose Street this past summer, the Victoria Lions have been holding their regular twice a month meetings in Elstan Hall (above) at the St. Victoria Catholic Church.  It didn’t take long before the Lions saw a need there, and they immediately stepped forward to replace the carpet and put new glass in the windows.

The project included this hallway down to a side door.

Lion Al Orsen was involved with the project and took these pictures, and answered some questions for the Gazette

Does it work well for the Lions to meet at Elstan Hall?  “When it was announced that the City Hall was going away, options were investigated.  It was narrowed down to going to the Victoria House or the Church …

“The Victoria House was willing to keep our meal cost at $8 but cocktails and beer would be at bar price  The Lions have a history of having our own cooks and bar with $2 drinks ...

“So a whole club vote was taken and the Church was the overwhelming first choice.  The only change was that our meetings had to be moved to the 2nd and 4th Mondays in place of 2nd and 4th Wednesdays ...

Why did the Lions adopt this carpet-window project at St. Victoria?  “Lion Leroy Worm suggested that we pay rent to the Church.  The Church said no.  Later I learned that if the church receives rent, it would lose its tax exempt status ...

“So the Lions Board talked about a donation and then it was noticed that the three thermal paned windows in Elstan Hall were fogged over and had lost their thermal seal.  Also, the paint in the room was in need of updating and the carpet had numerous stains and the glue had let loose in several places ...

“So Lions Leroy Worm, Mel Hazelwood, Loane Burau, and Tom Schmieg headed up the window replacement team.  They were installed by Loane and Tom ...

“Lion Jerry Schmieg and his son Bill painted the hall ...

“Lion Gary Eklund spent his career selling ceiling and floor products so we brought samples to the Church staff and they made their choices.  The Lions arranged for installation.”

What was the total cost of the project for the Lions?  “Approximately $13,800 with final billing pending.  Gary had arranged to get a special carpet price.”

How many square yards of carpet were needed?  “We needed a total of 245 yards.”

How long did the project take?  “Installation started at 6 a.m. on December 10th and completion occurred at 10 a.m. on December 11th, just in time to get ready for the Lions Christmas Party that evening.”

Is the church happy with the Lions project?  “Deacon Ray Ortman did a walk-through and went on and on thanking the Lions and saying how nice it looked and how pleased they were for the improvements.  For the time being, the Lions will be meeting at the Church for the foreseeable future until a new home is found.”

These tall tables were built by the Lions for their Spring Fling event.

Each year the Lions decorate the tables with beautiful poinsettias.  Around 50 were purchased from, and delivered by, Victoria Rose Floral. 

Father Bob White, with the mic, was on hand to say grace before the meal of this year’s Victoria Lions Christmas party.  That’s Lions President Todd Triethart on the left, past Lions President Tom Schwartz on the right.

Todd welcomed everyone to the festive occasion.  Guests are seated here in the Franciscan Commons.

The outstanding prime rib meal was prepared and served by Jill Stieve and Aaron Ketcher.  This room with the new carpeting is where the Lions held their Social Hour before dinner.

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