Lions propose Adopt-a-Table program

One of the Odessa Lions Club’s latest projects, says long-time member Clark Kagele, is to replace the picnic tables used at Reiman Park and at Deutschesfest each September with a more durable and longer lasting type of table. The wood-topped tables on an iron framework that have been in use for the past several years have been refurbished, repainted and repaired by club members on a regular basis, but recent inspections have shown that the metal structure of the tables is rusting and rotting away. Last year the club purchased an all-aluminum table through the Do It Best Hardware store to see how well it held up in Odessa’s climate. The results were favorable, and the club has voted to purchase four more of the aluminum tables this year. Replacing all 20 of the tables would wipe out the club’s finances, however, so club members voted to follow the successful formula used recently by the Old Town Hall Rejuvenation Society in replacing all of the windows in that building, namely initiating a campaign to Adopt-a-Table.

The Adopt-a-Table program would involve affixing an engraved metal plaque to each of the adopted tables bearing the name(s) of the donor(s) or “In Memory of” the name(s) of persons of the donors’ choosing. The cost of each table is $800, and the Lions have agreed to pay all shipping costs. Individuals, groups of individuals, families, clubs, businesses and organizations are all encouraged to participate. Those wanting more information about the tables can contact Dale Ramm at Ramm Hardware by visiting the store or calling 509-982-2602.

The community at large can help the Lions out by donating any amount they wish or by adopting a table. The Lions also have other projects planned, including replacement of the Division Street sidewalk on the west side of the Festplatz. The trees that were planted in the Festplatz has roots that are pushing up the sidewalk. Lions Club member Gerald Greenwalt has suggested placing a barrier between the new sidewalk and the Festplatz that is intended to force the tree roots to go deeper into the soil, so that the new sidewalk would not have the same problems in the future. One group of Lions will demolish the old sidewalk, and another group will install the formwork and pour the cement for the new sidewalk. The work is scheduled to begin soon.