As membership in service clubs across the nation drop, Kewaunee Lions Club member John Mastalir is bracing for its rise. Service clubs like Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Optimists and others have seen their membership decline steadily over the decades as current members age out and younger generations have opted for other ways to stay social. Mastalir has seen his own club drop from over 40 members 30 years ago to just 16 now. The cancellation of its popular Roar on the Shore Brewfest means the approximately $40,000 it shared with the Dyckesville Lions Club will not be available to fund scholarships for local students, support its camp for the visually impaired in Rosholt, and other area service projects. Mastalir hopes the realization of what may be missed this year will help drive membership up for the future.

He encourages everyone to find a local service organization like the Lions Club and learn how they can make a difference in their community. You can find Mastalir and the rest of the Kewaunee Lions Club every third Monday of the month at Port O’Call in Kewaunee.