Meeting on Monday, November 14, members of the Stanley Lions finalized plans for a major replacement of trees project at Chapman, Fandry and Soo Parks. With the financial support of thirteen businesses, the Stanley Sportsman’s Club and Stanley Lions plans are moving ahead with the purchase of around 100 trees to be planted in the aforementioned parks, to replace the diseased ash trees recently removed from Stanley’s parks and boulevards. Weather permitting the tree plantings are being planned for Arbor Day, April 28. Lions members will be working with the Stanley Public Works Department and S-BHS agriculture classes to plant the replacement trees. Any other community volunteers would also be welcome to help.

To begin the business meeting, routine secretary and treasurer reports were accepted as presented. A thank you note was read from the Lake Holcombe Lions, who recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary, expressing their gratitude for the Stanley Lions presence and gift of money.

Reports received indicated that the Sunset Homes Brat Supper and Bingo on Monday, October 17 went well. Lions Norm Christianson and Jerry Dirkes indicated residents were happy to be able to come together for the meal and bingo. Lion Christianson indicated the Fall Cleanup on Saturday, October 22 went well, but more help always could have been used. Lion John Pozdell reported that all went well at the Halloween Trunk and Treat event, held out at Courtesy Ford on Saturday, October 29. He and his helpers were thanked for handling this event. The Lions gave away around 1000 handouts. Lions Jim Jones and Lorena McLoone reported on their sale of meat bundles at the Chapman Park Fundraiser held on Saturday, November 12, at the Stanley Community Center. The crowd was light but they still managed to hold six meat raffles and there were additional trees for the parks that will be sponsored.

In other old business reports, Lion Dave Winkler stated that only a few Christmas Raffle tickets have not been sold and drawings will begin on Thursday, December 1. Winkler also reported that the Lions deer hide collection has begun at Express Mart, Inge’s Custom Meats and Zais Catering and Meats and so far around 80 hides have been delivered to the farm of Thorp Lion Bernie Stuttgen, who is coordinating the regional collection. Donors are again reminded that the deer hide project helps support children and adults with disabilities, who attend the Wisconsin Lions Camp free of any charges. Lion Duane Booth reported that plans are in place for the Chippewa County Spirit of Christmas gift distribution that will be held on Saturday, December 17. The Lions will be transporting the gifts to the Stanley Community Center where the distribution will take place between 10 am and 1 pm. Lion Jones reported that the Lions have collected enough plastic for a second bench. When the bench arrives, it will be displayed in the Stanley-Boyd Elementary school so the students can see a product made from recycled material and see the benefit from their bringing plastic for recycling. The final destination for the second bench is still to be determined. Lions Jones also reported that there was no new information on the Bike Path to report at this time. Lion Dave Zschernitz reported that the AED being donated to the city for placement at the Stanley Community Center has still not arrived.

Under new business, the Stanley-Boyd Food Pantry was donated $500 towards purchasing Christmas hams and the Stanley Correctional Outreach Program Equals Success (SCOPES) will receive $300. SCOPES particpants knit mittens and hats for students in need, who attend Stanley- Boyd Schools. $100 was voted as a donation to the Thorp Lions for salt used to preserve deer hides. The final donation of $250 was made to the corpus of the Stanley Community Fund which provides funding to meet Stanley Community needs annually. The Fund is held with the Community Foundation of Chippewa County and is open to anyone donating. Anyone interested can also make a donation by sending it to the CFCC, 404 ½ N. Bridge Street, PO Box153, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729. Donors should include a note that it is for the Stanley Community Fund and feel good that you are supporting a gift that keeps on giving each year.

Forthcoming Lions events include a Christmas Party to be held at Debbie’s on Broadway on Monday, December 12. The party will feature a nice dinner with the attendees being asked to bring a “White Elephant” gift for sharing with a lucky person. Lions, spouses and significant others are invited to attend. It was announced that plans for the District Governor’s visitation have been finalized. Boyd and Stanley Lions Clubs will hold a joint meeting for the visitation of District Governor Brian Dulmes on Monday, February 13, at Debbie’s on Broadway.

Before adjournment, Lion Jones’ name was drawn for the attendance award and he donated it to the Tail Twisters Fund.