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Iola Lions gives $9k in scholarships and $500 to Jorgens Park Preserve

By Iola Lions

The Iola Lions April Meeting was held at Crystal Café on April 17.

The meeting was called to order by Lion President Jack Vater. Lion Mike Mazemke introduced guests Adam Skadsen and Sarah Griena. Lion Mark Forseth introduced Rotarian Trey Foerster as a visitor.

The Lions and guests enjoyed a meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn dinner with homemade bread and an assortment of pies for desert.

After the meal Lion Ralph gave some announcements regarding the upcoming Lions Spring work night on May 1. A signup sheet was passed around for the various projects. Lion Ralph also gave a low down on the upcoming Brat Fry fund raisers for the Iola Scandinavia Chamber of Commerce Fireworks.

Lion Diana Jones made an announcement regarding the May 6-7 Post Prom from 11:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. and sent around a signup sheet.

Lions President Jack Vater (right) presents checks for scholarships and Jorgens Park Preserve to Chris Nelson, Iola Scandinavia High School principal and soon-to-be district administrator.

Guest speaker Chris Nelson – Iola Scandinavia High School Principal and soon to be District Administrator – gave an update on the school. The school’s Tech Ed department will undergo a $600,000 renovation which will include some new welding boots, Plasma Cutter and CNC Router. They will be putting in new equipment and technology to give students much needed skills to enter technical school for a variety of future work force skills. The school will also be replacing the old steal bleachers with new plastic comfortable bleachers.

Chris Nelson also mentioned the high school Volunteer Day is May 3. He thanked the Lions for the generosity and interviews for the $9,000 worth of scholarships. He went to thank Lion Sandi Moore who brings in a therapy dog to visit with students.

The school is working on signage for Jorgens Park Preserve to include the trail system, the prairie, osprey nesting site, woodland, glacier features and wetland areas. The preserve will also be working on planting native New London apple trees and adding prairie plantings. Jorgens Park Preserve is part of the designated school district forest.

Rotarian Trey Foerster talked about the Rotaries financial contribution of $1,000, Central Wisconsin Electric Coops donation of $500, and the Iola Lions contribution of $500. The entire project is a multi-year project with about $3,500 needed for the park. Foerster is the co-chair of the Environment Committee for the Rotary Club of Waupaca and co-chair of Rotary District 6220 Environmental Sustainability Task Force.

Lion Phil Johnsrud brought up the Lions contribution to the ski hill and putting up plywood to make the jump conform to the new required standards.