The Stanley Lions held their monthly meeting on Monday, August 14 at the Stanley Community Center. Guests for the evening were non-Lions who helped at the recently held Watermelon Festival and the tennis court project. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the meeting was called to order by Lion President Juliana Lahner and guests were introduced. 

     After dinner, old business reports included a report on the recently held Watermelon Festival by Treasurer Jerry Dirkes.  In conclusion, the 2023 Festival was noted as the most successful ever, thanks to community support of those attending and all who purchased raffle tickets. The Cheese Curd Sale, held on August 10-11, was also a success with income being nearly $400 more than last year.  The community was thanked for the support of these two major fundraisers.  

     In other old business, Lion Jim Jones reported on the work being done on the tennis courts.  The cracks have been filled by the city crew, the Lions have had the court refurbished with a surface enhancing material and they will now be painting the out lines on the courts and the Stanley Community Association will be putting the pickleball court lines on in a final procedure. Lion Jones also announced that the Park Internet is now in place and working, with the Lions being a partner in paying a part of these costs. Finally, Jones noted that a grant is being written by a North Central Regional Planning staff member, to help finance a major portion of the bike path.  Other revenue sources for financing are also being sought for paving much of the project.  

     In new business, anyone with ideas or suggestions for changes in the Watermelon Festival is asked to get them to President Lahner or any other Lions member.  Being that the Lions 50th Anniversary of Corn/Watermelon Festivals is in 2024, the Lions are looking for new ideas to add to their annual event. The Lions will be conducting their Annual Vision Screening at the Stanley-Boyd Elementary School on Friday, August 25.  With two screening cameras, it is expected the screenings will be completed by noon. It was noted that the Lake Wissota Lions Club will hold their 50th Anniversary on September 9.  Lions interested in attending need to let Lion Dirkes know immediately, so he can register attendees.   

     As a last sharing of information, Lion Treasurer Dirkes pointed to a chart which outlines the Lions Donations during the fiscal year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.  Total local donations during this period were  $18,817.36 and those given at the state and international level amounted to $1,150. Lion Jerry and Mary Dirkes were thanked for the preparation they put into the meal served.  

     It was announced that the next Lions meeting will be held at Debbie’s on Broadway, on Monday, September 11.   Lion Ken Schmidt’s name was announced in the attendance drawing, but he was not able to be present.