The Prime Of Their Lives
Lino Lakes Lions Serve It Up
By the time the prime rib was out of the oven and ready for carving, those attending the 9th Annual Lino Lakes Lions Prime Rib Dinner were ready to dig in. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd: tickets for the dinner, held at the Great Hall at St. Joseph's Parish in Lino Lakes, sold out weeks in advance of the March 3 date.
"We come every year," said Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah, there with her husband, Ran.
Photo by Deb Barnes
The food alone would likely tempt the good souls in the Historic St. Joseph's Church cemetery nearby. Lions members make their own prime rib rub: the smell of the garlic and rosemary wafting out to the church parking lot drew longing looks from parishioners walking to their cars after Saturday night Mass.
Not a slacker among them, Lions served up dinner plates, carved the prime rib, set out desserts, and collected dirty plates.
"It's a lot easier than the pheasant feed [fundraiser]," said Lion Ted Foerster, as he worked in the kitchen, "and more fun."
Salad, prime rib, baked potato, green beans, rolls and miniature cream puff s and cheesecake bites followed the appetizers served during social hour.
Photo by Deb Barnes
"It's the best deal in town," said Senator Ray Vandeveer, who attended the event with his wife, Camille.
And then there was a surprise appearance by Elvis.
Mark Hagstrom of Circle Pines did the honors aft er dinner, attired in his custom-made white suit with red cape, sporting a "genuine imitation zircon" of gargantuan proportions on his pinkie finger.
Clearly having a great time, Elvis crooned his way around the Great Hall, accompanied by giggles - and the occasional hug.
The highlight of the evening came when he prevailed upon Lino Lakes Mayor and Lions Club member John Bergeson to join him at the microphone. Mayor Bergeson untied his apron, converting it to a makeshift cape, and joined in on "I Can't Stop Loving You."
Hagstrom, 64, says he has only recently felt the call to perform as Elvis. His January trip to an Elvis impersonation contest in Las Vegas was his first attempt, and was unexpectedly successful. "I made the finals in Vegas!" Hagstrom said delightedly, "even though I was the oldest one there."
Fundraising Benefits Community The dinner is only one of many fundraising events put on by the Lino Lakes Lions Club each year. "All funds raised are put back into a host of Lions programs," said Club President John Speth.
The Pancake Breakfast and Lionesses Club Bake Sale takes place in May, and helps support Boy Scout Troop 136 and Pack 136 in addition to programs supported by the Lionesses Club.
The club funds the Ray Johnson Scholarship and the Joe Davis Scholarship at Centennial and Forest Lake Area High Schools.
Meals on Wheels, two area food shelves, and service and leader dog training are other programs that receive support from the club.
Lino Lakes Lions also make frequent donations to local families in need. Every spring and fall, club members sponsor the community pick-up day, and can be seen collecting trash along the ditches of Main Street and Lake Drive.
The Lions also help support community fun in Lino Lakes: The Halloween kids' party at St. Joseph's Parish is put on by the club. And last year, the club paid for the fireworks at Blue Heron Days and provided the petting zoo.