By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Hudson – While the Hudson-Concord Elks Lodge #959 is in the midst of a $1.7 million renovation, members are also in the process of temporarily moving its weekly bingo and planning a reincarnation of its balloon festival. In 2012, Concord Elks #1479 opted to merge with Hudson. Funds collected from Concord’s property sale is going toward the renovation.
Hudson’s facility was built in 1969, noted Barbara Durand, a trustee and chair of the building committee.
“Everything needs a lot of updating,” she said.
Minor work began in March with the major renovations slated to begin in May. The building will become more handicap accessible, noted Joe Lacouture, a building committee member.
“We don’t have any handicap bathrooms in here now and the ramps need to be brought up to code,” he acknowledged.
The renovation includes six handicap-accessible restrooms throughout the facility. Some existing restrooms will be remodeled and expanded; others will be installed new. Also, a new side entry door with a handicap-accessible ramp, double handrails and additional lighting will be installed.
Much of the work will be done in the function hall, which is used for various events including wedding receptions and community fundraisers. Rental fees help the Elks maintain the facility, noted Bill Hopkins, lodge secretary.
“The rentals help us pay our bills and keep this place going,” he said.
Remodeling and upgrades of the hall include a solid wood dance floor, new stage area, and media display and surround sound speaker systems with big-screen TVs. The hall can accommodate up to 299 guests, or soundproof folding doors will divide the space for two smaller functions. The kitchen will be enlarged with new equipment.
The current administrative offices and card room will be redesigned into a function space for up to 60 guests with a fireplace and access to an outdoor deck. This space could be used by members or available for functions. The outdoor pavilion is also available for events.
“We could have three functions at the same time,” Hopkins noted.
A second floor will be built in the back of the function hall for new administrative offices.
For about three to four months of the construction, the Elks’ bingo, held Thursday evenings, will relocate to the Hudson Portuguese Club. Hopkins has begun the process of getting approval from the Board of Selectmen, Fire and Police departments, and Massachusetts State Lottery Commission.
“I don’t foresee a problem,” he said. “Bingos are dying across the state and ours is flourishing.”
He considered a few venues before deciding on the temporary location.
“The Portuguese Club is well lit, has a big room and the parking is awesome,” he said.
The bingo draws an average of about 140 players and sometimes reaches more than 170. Proceeds go to the Elks Scholarship Fund for graduates of Hudson, Marlborough, Assabet Valley Regional Technical and Concord-Carlisle Regional high schools.
“This year we’ll be able to donate $12,000 to local students – that’s all just from bingo,” Hopkins said.
Also on the Elks’ agenda is the return of its signature event with a twist. After hosting the Hudson Balloon Festival annually from 2005 to 2011, the Elks will introduce Balloons and Blues. Scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15, and Sunday, Aug. 16, the family-friendly event will feature hot air balloons, vendors, food trucks and three bands including the Bruce Marshal Group.
“Families can come with their kids and it’s affordable for them,” Hopkins said of the event. “We want to continue promoting it to the community and families because the future of the Elks depends on the young people.”
Balloon sponsorships are available. For information, call 978-568-8129.
