08/11/2026
Greetings Fellow Lions,
I was never a boy scout growing up, but my two sons however got involved here with Carrolltons Troop 36. I was a parent volunteer and leader in the troop at various times. The scouts have merit badges called Citizenship and the Community, Citizenship and the Nation, and Citizenship and the World. While counseling my sons, and other boys, while earning these badges, I myself learned a lot about the rights, and more importantly, the responsibilities of being a citizen.
Much of what you hear about in society is about our rights. Freedom to express yourself. Freedom to worship as you wish. Right to vote. Right to run for elected office. Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Etc. You hear very little about our responsibilities as citizens. Things like, Stay informed of the issues affecting your community. Participate in the democratic process. Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws. Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others. Participate in your local community. Pay income and other taxes. Serve on a jury when called upon. Defend the country if the need should arise.
It feels like society has gotten away from “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
Civic organization membership across America is in decline. Is it because citizens only thinking about their rights and not their responsibilities? I’d like to think that it is because there are too many other distractions and strains on time. Television and going down internet rabbit holes probably being the biggest distractions.
There are so many complicated problems in the world today, none of which have easy solutions. Sometimes you wonder what you can do to help. Staying informed of the issues and voting are certainly a good start. Participate in your local community is even better. Our Lions club cannot solve the worlds problems but we can continue to make an impact right here in our community and lead by example.
That being said, Here is the line up for this falls "boots on the ground" community impact. I hope you consider signing up for the school screenings which is our core cause.
FUND RAISER/ COMMUNITY AWARENESS
September 5, 8am -12:30 pm Farmers Market Broom Sale and Sunglass Giveaway. https://signup.com/go/ynrViUR
SERVICE PROJECT
September 12, 9am-12pm. Trinity United Methodist Church. We have received a $2500 Grant from LCIF and will be assembling Hurricane/ Disaster Preparedness Kits with Elevance Health. https://signup.com/go/YEeCoxc
FUND RAISER
September 18, 19th. Isle of Wight County Fair Beer Pouring. Our biggest Fund raiser of the year. https://signup.com/go/Ekiqsac
FUND RAISER
Saturday October 3. Bourbonfest Fundraiser: Our second biggest fundraiser of the year. Here are the instructions to sign up. There are some seated positions to choose from.
https://svaevolportal.softr.app/
SERVICE PROJECT
School Screening Schedules and Signups
Sept 22, 7:30am – 11am. Georgie Tyler Middle School https://signup.com/go/kfTVviS
Sept 24, 9am-11am Carrsville Elementary School https://signup.com/go/gNOkRjM
Oct 1, 9am-11:30am Windsor Elementary School https://signup.com/go/pOGOWpH
October 6, 9am-11:30am Carrollton Elem School https://signup.com/go/yGUEeDo
October 15, 9am -11:30 am Hardy Elem School https://signup.com/go/zHpVfBd
October 29, 7:30am -11am Windsor High School https://signup.com/go/jMnyHpB
November 3, 7:30am -12 am Smithfield High School https://signup.com/go/xNweReK
November 12, 7:30am – 12am Smithfield Middle School https://signup.com/go/pcgAuyd
COMMUNITY AWARENESS
October 6. 5pm-7pm National Night Out Sunglass Give Away. https://signup.com/go/UXaRJKJ
FUND RAISER/ COMMUNITY AWARENESS
October 29, 5pm - 8pm. Sell brooms on Main Street to Witches.
https://signup.com/go/deANJga
It’s easy to make a buck. It’s a lot harder to make a difference. It's time to re-energize and get involved.
Lion Jon
