Like many nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lions clubs are faced with changes. Changes with meeting venues, changes with meal servings, changes with membership and the list goes on.

The Boothbay Region Lions Club was formed in 1953 by a group of citizens able and willing to serve their community by becoming Lions. Throughout the years membership has varied from a high of 65 members to our now 19 members. The Lions motto of “We Serve” has kept the club intact – we may be small in numbers but big in donating, helping and serving our community.

Did you know, to become a Lion, all you need do is just ask? Our group has met throughout the summer (social distancing, of course) thinking of ways to gain membership and ways to help our fellow neighbors during this pandemic.

Members have voted to decrease the yearly membership fee and to waive the Lions International fee of $35 when an individual joins. Plus, do you dislike going out at night for meetings but love helping? Then our club might be a good fit. Our club has changed — it’s not the club that your fathers or grandfathers once had — we’ve evolved. We are looking for individuals who could participate in activities but perhaps don’t want to come out for a meeting. If that sounds like you, then please contact a Lion. Our monthly newsletter keeps members up to date.

Did you know over the past year our club has donated to many local charities including the Boothbay Region Educational Fund, Habitat for Humanity, New Hope for Women, Food For Thought, Set For Success, Camp Knickerbocker, Rebuilding Together and more totaling for the year over $18,000?

Won’t you join us? Contact a Lion — our president this year is Dr. Jay Andrews, secretary is Wendy Greenleaf and treasurer is Karen Nickerson. Reach out on our Facebook page. We meet the second and fourth Wednesdays, September to June, at 6:15 p.m. in the East Boothbay Fire Station.

One last reminder — we help locals with eyeglasses! Drop off boxes for used eyeglasses are located at the small mall and Memorial Library.