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Some connect it to a larger trend among fraternal organizations and service clubs like the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, which have seen steep declines over the decades.

They were less likely to participate in activities like sports, cultural or religious groups, or service clubs — a predictor of later cognitive impairment.

For a decade such stops were a regular calendar item, but a recent speech at a small-town service club was the first such appearance I’d made in a similar number of years.

“We especially seek community groups, church groups, labor organizations, service clubs, and other groups willing to sponsor a family or a number of families,” Evans’ administration wrote.

Three, small towns’ service clubs like the Rotary or Lions sometimes make a huge part of their annual nut by selling fireworks, and they carry a lot of sway with their cities’ councils.