American Legion Post 117

Sponsors annual Oktoberfest. Breakfast (Oct.-June, first Sun. 8 a.m.-noon) open to public. Hall available for rent. Annual dues $30. Meets first Thurs. 7:30 p.m. The women’s auxiliary helps at the Department of Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System and meets second Wed. 7:30 p.m. alpost117.org

Boy Scouts of America—Great Sauk Trail Council

One Cub Scout pack and one Boy Scout troop meet at Manchester schools, churches, and clubs. Call or email for a referral to a troop in your area. join@gstcbsa.org, www.gstcbsa.org

Friends of Manchester District Library

Supports the library through fundraising and volunteering. Organizes book sales. To join, applications available at the library. manchesterlibraryfriends.wordpress.com

Girl Scouts—Heart of Michigan

Five age divisions for girls ages 5-18. Activities include camping, leadership exploration, and service projects. Call to volunteer, join, or start a troop. council@gshom.org, www.gshom.org

Kiwanis Club of Manchester

Provides support for area programs through events and fund-raisers. Annual dues $82.25. Meets first & third Wed. 6 p.m. at the former Dan's River Grill, 223 E. Main. www.manchester-mi-kiwanis.org

Knights of Columbus

Men’s Catholic fraternal and service organization. Meets second Mon. 8 p.m., Manchester Sportsman Club, 8501 Grossman.

Manchester Area Friends

Non-profit volunteer group sponsors local events and raises funds to support activities, clubs, and causes around Manchester. Hosts "Run Manchester" in Aug., with 1 mile, 5K, and 10K events and prizes in downtown Manchester. manchesterareafriends@yahoo.com, manchesterareafriends.googlepages.com

Manchester Area People for Peace

Promotes community awareness and involvement around issues of peace and justice through educational activities and community events. Discussion groups for adults and students. mapforpeace@comcast.net, www.map4peace.org

Manchester Lions Club

Service group dedicated to vision health and education, sponsors youth exchange program which hosts international students. Meets fourth Wed. 7 p.m., Whistle Stop, 115 E. Main

Manchester Men's Club

Non-profit group raises funds to promote growth and community in Manchester. Events throughout the year include: Easter egg hunt, 4th of July fireworks, chili cook-off, blues rib festival, and Christmas tree sales. Annual dues $10. Meets third Wed. 7:30 p.m. at Chi-Bro Park in summer and at George Jones’s pole barn (10955 Sooten Rd., from Parr Rd.) in winter. Prospective members welcome. www.manchestermensclub.com

Masonic Lodge 148

Meets first Mon. 7:30 p.m. Guy Gilbert, gugilb@hotmail.com, www.grandlodgemi.org

Newcomers Welcome Service

Provides welcome packets to new residents in the Manchester area and school district. welcome@newcomersws.com, www.newcomersws.com

Optimist Club

P.O. Box 723, Manchester, 48158. Sponsors contests and scholarships for local students. Helps organize Chicken Broil. Annual dues $250 (includes dinner at each meeting). Meets Sept.-June, second & fourth Mon. 6:30 p.m., Emanuel United Church of Christ fellowship hall, 324 W. Main. jwmann@provide.net

Twentieth Century Club

Women's organization, established in 1899, gathers to discuss community, cultural, and civic duties. Annual fundraisers raise money for community projects. Meets second Tues. 7:30 p.m. at rotating locations, Sept.-May.

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Takes part in public observation of national holidays, teaches first-graders the Pledge of Allegiance, donates to senior citizens. Annual dues $20. Meets first Wed. 7:30 p.m., American Legion Hall, 203 Adrian.

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