WORTHINGTON — While nonessential businesses remained closed statewide, the Worthington chapter of the Elks decided to take advantage of the time to remodel the Second Avenue lodge.
At first, the project was just a deep clean and a paint job, but as the governor's executive orders lasted longer and longer, the group pivoted to a full-on renovation, explained Bev Watje.
"It gave us plenty of time," said Cindy DeGroot.
In addition to a new coat of paint, the lodge also got new flooring and an expanded dining room. The Elks purchased materials and members donated all necessary labor — more than 1,000 volunteer hours in total.
The Elks organization focuses on service projects that benefit groups like veterans and children. Charitable gambling raises funds for donations to organizations such as King Turkey Day, Boy Scouts of America, local food pantries and the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne. Last year, the Worthington Elks Lodge donated about $60,000 in the local community.
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The lodge's dining room is available for rent by members and non-members, and the facility can now seat about 350 people. The public is invited to visit the lodge at 1105 Second Ave. to check out the new features in person.
