The Stanley Lions held their monthly meeting on Monday, August 9, at Fandry Park. After a picnic meal, prepared through the efforts of Lion Norm Christianson, a good number of Boy Scouts and their leaders, and several folks who assisted with the car show at the recently held Watermelon Festival, were introduced, welcomed and thanked for their assistance. Of particular note was that 30 of 34 Lions members helped at the annual Watermelon Festival. Lion Jerry Dirkes, Treasurer, provided a preliminary financial report on the successful Watermelon Festival. He concluded by reporting that it was the best Watermelon Festival fundraiser ever, thanks to the tremendous community support. The pork chop/brat sale fundraiser recently held at Hansen’s IGA was also successful, but sales were down from the previous year. Dirkes also noted the recent donation of $250 from deceased Lion Cliff Nenzel’s wife Betty, and with unanimous consent and appreciation it will be placed in the Lions scholarship investment fund, where it will be assisting annually with the Lions Scholarship Awards.

In new business, the Lions voted to purchase a new flag to replace their current flag, and voted to match a recent $250 donation made to the Stanley Community Fund in honor of Lion Jim Jones completion of serving on the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Chippewa County. The Lions also will be initiating several contacts with the local school district with one of them focusing on resuming the September Eye Screenings, that were eliminated last year due to COVID. Lion Dave Winkler agreed to make the contacts.

Arrangements were finalized for the forthcoming Rodeo Committee/Lions Cheese Curd Sales held on Thursday, August 12 and Friday, August 13. Lion Dirkes provided a summary of the work being done on preparing for the Stanley Lions 75th Anniversary Celebration, to be held on Saturday, September 18. The invites have been sent and reservations are starting to come in, the program is finalized, the meal of chicken and Swiss steak will be provided by Boyd Catering, and the Decorating Committee met with Dirkes to finalize details following the regular meeting. There will be several Stanley Lions 75 Years of Service articles, in the local newspaper prior to the celebration. Former Lions, spouses of deceased Lions and anyone interested in exploring becoming a Lion are invited to attend the anniversary celebration. If you would like to attend send $15 per attendee to Jerry Dirkes, 711 Madison Street, Stanley, WI 54768 by September 11 or contact Lion Jerry at 715-644-5426 for more information.

It was announced that the next Lions meeting will be held at Debbie’s on Broadway, on Monday, September 13, with a board meeting at 5 pm, social time 5:30 anddinnerat6pm. LionChadVerbeten’s name was drawn for the attendance jack pot but he was not present. Next month, the attendance award will be $20 if the winner is present.

Selling cheese curds at Soo Park on First Avenue recently, the Lions turn around and use the proceeds to help fund commu –

nity projects, the Stanley chapter founded in 1946 Photo by Joseph Back.