Roanoke Valley Breakfast Lions Club celebrated 48 years of service at its annual Charter Night Anniversary on June 19, 2025.
Lion JJ Johnson, who has been a member of the club for 40 years and is beginning his 35th year as the club’s secretary, served as the master of ceremony for the evening. In his opening remarks he reminded members of their rich history. He shared that the founders, Bill Craft and Lew Peery, organAized this club in 1977 to create a racially integrated club that became the first racially diverse Lions Club in Virginia. Valuing of diversity as a core principle, 10 years later, this club became the first club to welcome female members. As reflected in the photo of the 2025-26 Officers, diversity is still valued and appreciated by the members.
Highlights of the 48th Charter Night Anniversary included installation of officers by Past District Governor Jim Newman, special presentations from District Governor Andre Peery and Director Jim Dalton; remarks from the outgoing president, Nina Wright, and the remarks from the newly installed president, Sharon Johnson. Wanda Dalton was presented a pin from the District in recognition of her dedicated service to the club and Lionism for 18 years. She is involved in almost every aspect of the club, serving as the assistant secretary and coordinator for several of the Club’s outreach activities.
The Club recognized LaTron Brown, a member of the team for two years, as Lion of the Year, the highest honor bestowed by the club annually. Past president, Nina Wright, described LaTron as a person of many talents and expressed gratitude to him for his many contributions to the club. He restarted the Club’s webpage, is readily available to assist with any technical needs of members, and participates in community outreach initiatives.
Roanoke Valley Breakfast Lions Club is a service club with 62 members that typically meets each 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m. at Golden Corral. Persons interested in serving their community and staying abreast of community needs are invited to become a Lion. The meetings on the first Wednesday include a speaker on a topic of interest to the group. Speakers for diabetes, hearing, and safety are always included on the calendar of topics. Our core service projects are volunteering at the Rescue Mission, Family Promise, eyeglass recycling, vision screening, hearing screening, Meals on Wheels, various youth initiatives, and donating to local charities. Members are asked to do one service project a month.
For additional information, contact the club’s secretary, JJ Johnson 540-5974253 or the membership chair, Nina Wright 540-797-3018.
