Parkersburg Lions continue to serve the community

The Parkersburg Lions club is keeping many irons in the fire as Christmas season approaches.

One major project is a recycling initative through NexTrex, a community recycling program provided through Trex, a decking manufacturer.

The challenge is for the Aplington and Parkersburg communities to provide a minimum of 500 pounds of plastic film and bags that the company will recycle and in exchange, provide a bench using those recycled materials to be placed in Aplington City Park. The Lions are collaborating with the Aplington Monroe Clever Clovers 4-H.

Recycling boxes are currently placed at Brothers Market in Parkersburg, the Aplington Community Center and Lincoln Savings Bank in Aplington.

Notably, the boxes allow for recycling grocery bags, and also accept a variety of other items including bread bags, bubble wrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, plastic shipping envelopes, ziploc food storage bags, cereal bags, plastic bottle case wrappers, salt bags, pallet wrap, wood pellet bags and produce bags. A full FAQ, including a list of items that aren’t accepted, is available at www.nextrex.com.

The other major project for the holiday season is a Festival of Trees & Baskets silent auction planned from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10. From now through Nov. 23, businesses or individuals can donate a decorated tree, wreath or gift basket that will be displayed in the back room of Third Street Grill and Pub in Parkersburg during the aforementioned dates. Proceeds from the auctions will benefit the Lions’ various service projects for the upcoming year. Those interested in donating should contact committee chair Tasha Finch at 319-269-5136.

On the subject of Depot Park, the Lions will be helping with money and materials to assist Butler County Conservation in upkeep of the park for planned refresh projects at the park next spring.

The Lions club meets the second Tuesday of each month at Third Street Grill and Pub at 6:30 p.m. - last month’s meeting included a presentation from Laura Hayes, a Cub Scout sponsor looking to start a Parkersburg branch of the scouts and needing not only possible Cub Scouts but local leaders to step up and guide the scouts. Those interested can contact Laura at laura.hayes@scouting.org for more information.

Next week’s meeting on Nov. 8 will feature guest speaker Tom Heckman with Butler County Veterans Affairs in conjunction with Veterans Day. Heckman, a member of the Allison Lions, will also assist in recognizing local Lions members that have served in the armed forces.

The December meeting will be at noon on Dec. 10, with the Lions going into the community after the meeting to distribute bags of candy to various home-bound people to spread Christmas cheer.

The Lions are always seeking new members and ask that anyone interested in participating in these various service projects contact Chairman Finch or Lions President Dave Mansheim at 319-983-4026 or by e-mail at sfmansheim@gmail.com.

“We’re trying to serve the community,” Mansheim said. “We’re trying to help.”