Fondly remembered for its Pancake Days, the Stuart Lions Club folded in 2014, but a move now is underway to form a new club to serve Patrick County.

“This new club will give members an opportunity to advance worthy causes, serve with friends, and become leaders in the community,” Marty Alford, District 24 E governor said. “The new club will mean so much to its members, but it will mean so much more to the people they will serve.”

An informational meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on March 28 in the Rotary building. Pizza and drinks will be provided, Alford said. Anyone interested in helping or joining is invited to attend.

Additionally, organizers will seek public input throughout the organizational process, Alford said. He added that will include conducting a needs assessment and developing a comprehensive plan to address some of the major issues specific to communities in Patrick County.

Also, “we would like to gain feedback from other civic groups, community leaders, teachers, social workers, members of the clergy” to identify projects the club may undertake, Alford said.

Alford said focus projects may include:

Emphasis on Children – Whether it is participating in the Read Across America Campaign, the Lions club is committed to helping children to learn, and making sure they have what they need to read and progress in school.

Emphasis on Vision – In 1925 at Cedar Point, Ohio, Helen Keller gave the Lions its charge to be the knights of the blind and this gives the Lions its primary objective in doing vision screening in local schools, churches and day care centers at no cost. With advanced tools and screening methods, Lions can screen individuals from six-month-olds to adults in a matter of minutes. Most of the clubs raise funds to be able to pay for eye exams and eyeglasses for youth and adults.

Emphasis on Fighting Hunger – The Lions’ campaign to fight hunger is addressed through providing assistance to food pantries, food kitchens, backpack programs, and a host of service opportunities to help address the fact that 20 percent of the children in the U.S. live in poverty.

Emphasis on Protecting the Environment – Lions believe in protecting our environment. The club’s work in roadside clean-ups, river and water way clean-ups, recycling projects, and eyeglass recycling helps make communities cleaner, healthier and safer places to live, work, and play.

For more info about the club or its service projects, call Alford at (540) 392-1453.