On Monday, February 10, District Governor Delores La Faive made her annual visit to the Stanley Lions Club. The occasion also served as a Guest Night for spouses and significant others. After a delicious chicken and Salisbury steak buffet, prepared by Chef Joanne, the District Governor began by announcing that her theme this year is, “We Serve,” with encouragement to return to the basics. She challenged the locals to be a, “Great Club.” She also encouraged thinking outside the box for new ideas and projects and provided several examples of new, or novel things, occurring in District 27-E1. In the course of her presentation, she stressed the need for service in District positions, and stated that these positions need to be filled in order for the District to have representation at the state level. She foreshadowed a $3 per year raise in International Lions dues. Before conclusion of her formal remarks, she reported that the Wisconsin Lions Pride Campaign has reached $9 million dollars of a goal to ultimately raise $10 million. The earnings from the fund this year will provide Lions Camp Rosholt with $120,000 towards the operating budget. She noted that updates at the camp in 2020 will include a new obstacle course and zip line.

Following her formal presentation, she presented Lion President Ben Isenberger with a Lion President’s pin and recognized Lion John McLoone for 15 years of membership and Lion Kevin Hendrickson for 25 years. It was announced that this year’s District Convention will be held on March 27 and 28, at Seven Winds Casino, Hayward. She also noted that the State Convention will be held April 30 – May 2, at the Holiday Inn in Stevens Point and the International Convention will be held in Singapore.

Local announcements included the notation of a thank you in the local shopper to all the donors of deer hides. Northern Clark County and the Stanley Lions Clubs collected 1,600 plus hides that will result in a donation of $6,500 to Camp Rosholt, that serves people with disabilities. It was also announced that community members, and organizations, are invited to a meeting at the Stanley Fire Station on February 19, 7 pm, for another opportunity to provide input on the new Community Building being built at Chapman Park this summer.

Before dismissal, Lion President Ben Isenberger thanked District Governor La Faive for her presence and presented her with a monetary gift, which she indicated will be going to the Wisconsin Lions Camp. Lion Conrad Thorson was the lucky winner of a bottle of wine that was a gift from the District Governor and her husband. The next meeting will be held on March 9, at Deano’s.

Photo by Jenn Kuester

Photo by Joseph Back.