Shingling project in July
- Details
- Published on Saturday, March 7, 2015
By Jessie Bell
There has been concern from a few local supporters of Rivers Legion Branch No. 75鈥檚 fundraising why there hasn鈥檛 been a visible start made on its shingling project. The branch began plans for shingling in late 2013 with a visit from a government engineer who made a thorough inspection of the hall鈥檚 interior and exterior. It was at a time when the outgoing president, Dave Oakey, was succeeded by Darryl Childerhose.
Following the inspection, the branch began plans to have the work divided into two phases. According to advice given by the inspector, Phase 1 was the most urgent. The flat part of the south roof was added in the 1970s and in time, posed a drainage problem due to water leakage into the original quonset part of the building. The local contracting company, van der Wal construction, was given the job of sloping that roof with rafters and covering them with metal siding. The urgency of Phase 1 is the reason why shingling was postponed. Childerhose estimated shingling of the main hall roof will hopefully be done by mid-July this year. Time is required to purchase material and schedule van der Wal Construction, as well as summer temperatures for a successful bonding of the shingles.
The government inspector suggested the need for air vents 鈥� four in total to be built into the main hall roof. One has already been added to the reconstructed front part. All materials have been purchased locally from North American Lumber whose manager, Ken Tait, has been of considerable assistance with his advice and building material requirements.
It is estimated the total cost of the project to be approximately $30,000. The application for a government Community Places grant was approved for $13,000 and this is based on completion of the rooftops. These figures could change depending on miscellaneous costs and taxes.
The branch has sponsored community suppers as a means of fundraising. This program began in late 2013 with four more held last year. Such fundraising will continue until cost of the roof rebuilding has been met. President Darryl and his wife Eleanor welcomed some 100 people to a ham and scalloped potato supper on Saturday, Feb. 28; each supper nets approximately $1,000.
Financial help has also been received from Rivers Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Rivers Legion Crib League, Rivers and Area Lions Club and many others who have contributed time and money towards roofing costs.
