The Stanley Lions held their monthly meeting on Monday, October 12, at Deano’s. After a delicious meal, King Lion Jerry Dirkes called the meeting to order. Routine secretary and treasurer reports were presented and approved. Dave Zchernitz, a Stanley native who recently moved back to the area, was introduced by Lion Dave Jankoski as a new member. Zchernitz was introduced to Lionism at the cheese curd sale held in August at Soo Park and was warmly welcomed by the Lions attendees.

Under old business, it was reported that the Lions two mile segment of Highway 29 was cleared of trash on Sunday, October 4. Lion Norm Christianson stated that three Boy Scouts and three parents, assisted four Lions in accomplishing the community service project. Lion Dave Jankoski reported that he and Gary Dorn of the Boyd Lions had distributed 10 copies of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation book on juvenile diabetes. Distribution included: St. Joseph's School (1), Boyd Early Learning Center (1), Moon Library (1) and the Stanley-Boyd Elementary School (7).

Under new business, Lion Dave Winkler distributed the Christmas Raffle tickets that Lions will be selling until all are gone. Only 500 tickets are sold at $10 each, with nearly half the proceeds being returned to winners via the drawings. Winkler noted that the drawings will again be held at Bob Valk’s Barber Shop. Anyone wanting a ticket can contact any Lion member. It was announced that the Sunset Homes Brat Feed will be held on Monday, October 19. This year meals will be delivered to residents apartments of those wishing to participate.

President Dirkes discussed the Lions Parade of Checks, that typically are presented at the District Convention, which this year was canceled because of COVID. He requested approval for next year’s donations which were approved at: $450 to Wisconsin Lions Foundation, $200 to LCIF, $100 to the Wisconsin Eye Bank, $100 to Leader Dog, $100 Mission to Mexico and $250 to Diabetes Programming. Lion Duane Booth discussed the Spirit of Christmas Program for Chippewa County, that provides many gifts to Stanley area children between the ages of 0-17. Booth and his helpers will be transporting the gifts to Stanley on December 19, for distribution at the Stanley Fire Station. It was voted to donate $400 in support of this program.

President Dirkes noted the approaching 75th Anniversary of the Stanley Lions with plans to celebrate with a banquet on April 17, 2021. Various committees were discussed and some appointments made. Lion Adam Smit discussed the Lions Scholarship Fund, which has a number of bonds coming due, and what options there were for investing these funds. It was voted to support a diversified investment option.

Looking ahead, the local Lions will again be collecting deer hides at the Express Mart. Lion Christianson announced that Make a Difference Day will be held on Saturday, October 24 and the high school organizers were looking for Lions to help. The Lions Annual Christmas Party, that is held in December, was briefly discussed. Lion Dan Plombon will be asked to discuss options at the November Meeting.

Before adjourning Lion Winkler again noted that the Lions Christmas Raffle is licensed. Drawings are for daily winners between December 1-24. The grand prize of $500 is awarded on December 24. All Lions members have tickets available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit community endeavors.

The Lions next meeting will be held on Monday, November 9, at Deano’s – Social 5:30 pm and dinner at 6 pm.. New Lion Dave Zschernitz was the lucky attendance drawing winner.