Longstanding club impacts

Published 9:17 am Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Second-generation members of the Young Men’s Social Club in Cumberland County are working to continue the community service and camaraderie established by their fathers and founding members.

The club, which focuses on volunteering and spearheading social events, was established between 1947 and 1948, Secretary Jimmy Johnson said.

Johnson, a retired principal of Cumberland County High School, said the club has seven members currently.

Email newsletter signup

His father, James Johnson, had been a longtime member of the club before his passing in 1991.

Johnson said club members recently volunteered to coordinate parking for the Five County Fair, something members of the club have undertaken for the past 10 years.

He said club members have also provided scholarships, coordinated Easter egg hunts for children in the county and coordinated bus trips to Maryland and West Virginia for outings.

He said the members rotate between each of their homes for meetings, which he said take place monthly.

Johnson said all of the club’s founding members have passed away, but noted that he and others are working to continue their legacy.

“(We) provide a community service,” Johnson said. “That is the main thing we try to do.”

He said the club has allowed him to connect with other people and form strong bonds.

“It lets guys get out to socialize,” Johnson said regarding another benefit of the club.

To learn more about the club, contact Johnson at (804) 651-7554.