As I have said many times in the past, the community spirit shown by countless Lawrence Countians is inspiring and heartwarming.

In the more than 11 years that I’ve worked at The Tribune I have had the pleasure to work with dozens of men and women who make significant personal sacrifices almost daily, all for the betterment of our community.

Civic groups that span Lawrence County from Hanging Rock to Athalia continue to make a difference in the lives of so many people. They are far too numerous for me to name them all but I can focus on two that I am most active with — the Ironton Lions Club and the Ironton Rotary Club.

Both have had a lot going on this October.

Each are in the early stages of sign projects that will help beautify the city’s entrances and welcome visitors. These separate projects each address a need and will create an impact that is greater than the sum of its parts.

The two clubs partner, a relatively rare occurrence and something I would ultimately like to see more of, to put on the Halloween parade slated for 7 p.m. Monday in downtown.

This month is always busy for the Lions Club, a group for which I am honored and humbled to currently be serving as club president, puts on the Haunted Tunnel each year.

It is a lot of hard work and makes for some long, cold hours. But it is all worth it as every penny raise goes back into the community through a variety of projects that help promote good eyesight, feed the hungry, educate our youth and celebrate our past.

The Rotary Club is in the middle of its annual literacy project that provides dictionaries to every third grade student in the county.

Now in its seventh or eighth year, this project helps emphasize the importance of reading and attempts to engage students at a young age.

It may sound like a small gesture but some of the these children have never actually had any book that they can call their own.

The smiles on their faces are all the reward needed for the club members and the business sponsors who make this project possible.

Again, these aren’t the only civic groups having a positive impact.

The Friends of Ironton, Operation TLC, Ironton in Bloom, Kiwanis, separate Lions Clubs in Coal Grove and the eastern part of the county and the more than 100 church groups are all making a difference through many projects that help our friends and neighbors.

Don’t forget there’s an organization available for anyone who wants to get involved.

To borrow from a sports analogy, Lawrence County needs more people to get off the sidelines and get in the game.

If you’re interested, give me a call. I’m happy to talk with you about these organizations and continue to be a cheerleader for these great teams.

 

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Tribune. To reach him, call (740) 532-1445 ext. 24 or by e-mail at mike.caldwell@irontontribune.com. Follow him on Twitter: @MikeCaldwell_IT.