LION NEWS
Lion Stephens
Named Lion of the Year
As the Weaverville Lions Club finalizes its 2025-26 fiscal year and begins its 67th year, the newly elected 2026-27 officers were installed on July 28. The highlight of the meeting was when President Scott Muir presented Kathy Stephens with the club’s “Lion of the Year” award.
Stephens joined the club in 2010 and, upon joining, has been a very active member. She currently holds the office of club secretary, a position she has held for over five years. Stephens is one of the first member to volunteer, she is in charge of the Beer Booth during the Fourth of July, she has been both the Zone and Region Chair for the 4-C1 District … she is the glue that holds the cub’s organization together … she takes minutes, emails members, attends many of the 4-D1 District meetings and has represented the district as both the zone chair and region chair. Stephens takes her position very seriously and is always available when needed. This is the second time she has been given this award.
The 2026-27 officers were installed by past district governors Steve and Maggie Robeson. Representing the club this fiscal year are President Scott Muir, 1st Vice President Marianne Keesee, 2nd Vice President Roger Freer, Secretary Kathy Stephens, Treasurer Dave Marceau, Lion Tamer Greg Lowden, Tail Twister Rex Murphy, one-year Directors Thomas Bradford and Patty Hymas and two-year Directors Gene Goodyear and Bill Koch. President Muir is also the 4-C1 1st District Vice Governor.
The COVID‑19 pandemic and the restrictions that followed left many community organizations struggling with declining participation. Service groups like the Lions Club have worked hard to adapt to new recruiting challenges, and Scouting has faced similar difficulties. Across the country, lingering memories of COVID-19 contributed to the disbanding of numerous packs and troops. In Weaverville, Cub Scout Pack 15 and Boy Scout Troop 15 closed more than five years ago. I was a member of both many years ago, and their absence has been felt deeply in our community.
For decades, the Weaverville Lions Club served as the charter sponsor and caretaker of the historic Scout House, supporting generations of young people. Over the years, one question surfaced again and again: Is there any chance the Scouts might return? Unfortunately, many families had become accustomed to staying home and avoiding group activities, making recruitment a persistent challenge.
In an effort to re-engage young people and their parents, the Weaverville Lions Club sponsored a special historical Cub Scout event — a Pinewood Derby. The club borrowed a derby track from the Golden Empire Scout Council in Redding and purchased more than 200 Pinewood Derby car kits to give away to anyone interested. We also invited Scouting America’s liaison and District Executive, Jeanine Tapal, who set up an information table to support recruitment efforts. Together, the Lions and Jeanine were determined not only to find future Cub Scouts, but also the most critical ingredient: a new Cub Scout leader.
I’m proud to report that our efforts paid off. We welcomed 130 cars to the first Weaverville Lions Pinewood Derby. Lion Rex Murphy took home the title in the Old Men’s Division, and—most importantly—we found a committed new Cub Scout leader whose son is eager to join Scouting. Thanks to this success, the Weaverville Lions Club will once again serve as the charter sponsor of Cub Scout Pack 15.
It may take decades for the world to fully move beyond the effects of COVID‑19. Recruiting new members and growing the Lions Club will continue to be a challenge. But progress starts with small, meaningful efforts—just as this derby did.
And as every Cub Scout knows, “Do Your Best.”