District Governor Steve Jensen and his wife Lion Jeanne, who serves as a Director of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, made their annual visitation to the Stanley Lions Club on Monday, February 8. Besides their current service on the District and State levels, the Jensen’s are long time members of the St. Croix Falls Lions Club.

In his remarks to the local Lions, District Governor Jensen stated that COVID-19 had presented challenges to all Lions Clubs across the globe. He noted his amazement with the innovations of local clubs related to fundraising to replace annual events that they usually use as major fundraisers. Included were his noting that the innovative fundraisers had allowed local, state and International financial support to continue. He suggested that clubs use the Wisconsin Lions Magazine as an ongoing source of information on state activities, fundraising and service ideas of other clubs. His remarks nicely supported the District Governor’s theme for his term, “Windows of Opportunity.

In closing remarks, he noted a major goal for his 2020-2021 term is to have each club have a net increase of one member by June 30, 2021; stressed the importance of clubs electing a full slate of officers so there is a healthy rotation of leadership; announced that the District 27-E1 Convention on March 27 will again be virtual; and asked that anyone willing to serve as a Vice-District Governor to contact him. Following the District Governor’s remarks, Lion Jeanne gave a report on the activities of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation and their major ongoing projects including eye glass recycling, vision screening, hearing aid programs, diabetes education, and Lions Camp at Rosholt. In relation to Camp Rosholt, she noted that state deer hide collections this year had resulted in the Camp receiving $56,523.75 from the project and that a great deal of credit is due to the ongoing dedication of Lion Bernie Stuttgen of Thorp. The hope is that Camp Rosholt will be open this year and she encouraged that local children with disability challenges take advantage of the camping opportunities. In her concluding remarks, she noted the service of the Stanley Correctional Institution inmates in cleaning and grading used eyeglasses before worldwide distribution, that Wisconsin Lions Camp Rosholt is currently reprocessing eyeglasses collected in the state of Minnesota and that March 21 is Diabetes Awareness Day.

District Governor Jensen also inducted new member, Dave Zschernitz, into Lions and recognized the membership longevity of Luke Clow and Dan Plombon 10 years, Dean Boie 25 years, Gary Krueger 30 years, Wayne Hove 35 years, and Norm Christianson 40 years.

The next meeting of the Stanley Lions will be on March 8, at Debbie’s on Broadway, and will be hosted and cooked by new owner Debbie Haas. Deano Tinjum was thanked for his hosting the Stanley Lions for many years and was wished the best in his retirement. The Lions was the last meal cooked by Deano, at Deano’s Big Ten Bar and Grill. Lion Norm Christianson, was the lucky winner of the attendance drawing of $15.

District Governor Steve Jensen (L) honoring Lion Norm Christianson (R) for his 40 years of membership in the Stanley Lions Club. Submitted photo.