The Stanley Lions held their monthly meeting on Monday, August 10, at the Stanley Community Center. The meeting featured Deano Tinjum’s famous ribs that were enjoyed by the membership and their guests who volunteer their help at Lions fundraising events. Highlights of the evening were the presentation of a $5,000 check to Lance Weiland, representing the Stanley Community Association, as a Lions donation to their Play Big, Dream Bigger Project planned for Chapman Park. The playground portion of the project will feature equipment accessible to individuals that use mobility devices (wheelchairs and walkers) and is planned to serve toddlers to preteens. Following that presentation, Lion Jim Jones was presented the Melvin Jones Award. This award honors long time members, recognizing their many contributions of service to the Lions and the community. The Melvin Jones Award is the highest honor given by Lions Clubs International Foundation.
In the short business meeting that followed the meal, Lion Treasurer Jerry Dirkes, presented his detailed annual report of the club’s finances. Noteworthy is that without the Lions Club, the community would have $17,869 less in donations this past year. In other announcements, President Jones announced that the Lions will be holding a Fall Metal Drive on Saturday, September 26, from 7:30- 10:30 am. Further information will be forthcoming. The Lions also received the good news that leadership has been found for all but one major event for the 2027 Watermelon Festival and thus it will be occurring as it has been for the last 52 years. There will be some revised plans and some changes/additions. Recognition for additional help in preparing the evening meal goes to Lion Dirkes and his wife Mary and to Sheryl Jones.
The Lions next meeting will be held at Debbie’s on Broadway on Monday, September 14, with dinner at 6 pm.