GRANGER – Wadsworth Municipal Court Judge Stephen McIlvaine addressed a group of 21 attentive Boy Scouts from Granger Troop 511 Nov. 14 at the Granger Methodist Church to help fulfill the requirements they need to earn their citizenship merit badges. The judge focused on what it means to be a citizen in a community and one’s rights and responsibilities.

The boys really paid attention to what he said, as was proven by their answers to his questions and their well-thought out questions to him at the close of the program.

The judge began by defining community as “a group of people living in a particular area who share common characteristics, interests, activities or purposes.” He said that could refer to a group as small as a family living together or the residents of a large city, a school or a Scout Troop, to name a few. He called local communities the building blocks of government, noting that although they may differ in a number of aspects, they have one commonality, that of self-government through their local elected officials.

He said citizens “are people who were born in this country or were born elsewhere and have been naturalized or granted citizenship from the government.” He said that as an American citizen, one is “entitled to the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and to the protection of federal, state and local laws.” He reminded that citizens have obligations, such as paying taxes and obeying the law.

He expressed concern about some citizens taking their rights for granted. He urged his audience to participate in community events, and get involved with school, church, clubs or local charities.

“A good citizen looks for opportunities to help improve the community, ”McIlvaine said, noting that this type of participation “helps one develop a respect for the opinions of others, and a compassion for those in need.”

He talked about the Constitution, and the separate, but equal powers of the executive (administrative), legislative and judicial branches of government. He touched on the responsibilities of state and local governments and the need to be informed as much as possible of their actions. He explained the court system, from the Supreme Court of the United States to the local courts.

In closing, the judge offered two words of advice: “Get involved.”