This year, it has been my pleasure to serve as the president of the Farmville Jaycees. As I prepare to relinquish this position, I can’t help but to reflect on the importance of community involvement and the Farmville Jaycees’ contributions to our community during the past 75 years.

As I talk with many members of the Farmville Jaycees both past and present, I’m amazed at what this organization has meant to them personally. I have heard many great stories about the competitions, leadership and personal-development programs that members have participated in. 

I’m significantly proud of the major contributions that the organization has provided and continues to provide to our community. In September 1968 the Jaycees extended an invitation to our community for the formation of the Prince Edward Volunteer Rescue Squad. We started the Farmville Christmas Parade, founded the First Fridays Concert Series, have continued to host our First Fridays Concert Series and have supported local nonprofits through our financial contributions.

The Farmville Jaycees continues to be one of many ways in which one can become involved within the Farmville community. The Rotary Club, Lions Club, Farmville Women’s Club, Kiwanis and many other organizations provide great volunteer opportunities for individuals within the community. 

The most important thing that I can encourage one to do is become involved.

What that involvement looks like is totally up to you. For me and countless other Jaycees, that involvement over the past 75 years has promoted personal growth and has inspired us to seek ways to continue our involvement once our time in the Jaycees ended.

Consider ways in which you might serve and seek to support organizations within our community that are spreading good cheer.

Cameron Patterson serves as the president of the Farmville Jaycees. He can be reached at thefarmvillejaycees@gmail.com.