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Service clubs contribute a lot to life in Culpeper

Kevin Olmstead / Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: March 31, 2008

When you enjoy the Fourth of July fireworks this summer, you'll have Culpeper's Mid-Day Lions club to thank, in part. The Ruritans sponsor Culpeper Day. Local clubs of both organizations also sponsor the Soap Box Derby of Culpeper.

Many, if not all, of Culpeper's service clubs also offer scholarships to local students, sponsor youth sports and scout troops, and contribute to other charitable causes. The Knights of Columbus, for example, recently contributed $250 to help a local contractor's relief effort for a tornado-ravaged part of Tennessee.

That spirit of giving starts early, with several service oriented clubs operating at Culpeper County High School. In fact, the Culpeper Mid-Day Lions sponsor one of them - the Leo Club. "One of the things we're challenged to do this year is to increase younger and new members," said Joe Volpe, Lions Club district governor.

While this year's Leo Club members will not help to meet that goal this year, many will graduate to become future Lions. The Kiwanis, Ruritan and Rotary clubs have similar programs operating in other areas.

While there are no other such programs associated with adult service clubs at CCHS this year, the school has several other clubs that emphasize public service, said Marla McKenna, Culpeper County Public Schools spokeswoman. Rize Up, a Christian-based youth group, is one such group.

"Clubs vary from year to year, based on student interest and availability of a sponsor," she said.