The Ararat Ruritan Club presented the highest award in Ruritan to Mrs. Shelby Cox, in honor of her late husband and former Ruritan, Jack Cox.
Several members of the Cox family enjoyed the covered dish meal as prepared by members of the club prior to the presentation of the Tom Downing plaque. Downing was one of the founding members of Ruritan National, and the award given in his name is the highest honor bestowed upon a Ruritan.
Mr. Jack Cox, along with countless former Ararat Ruritan Club members, was instrumental in creating a better understanding among people and through volunteer community service, made the Ararat community a better place in which to live and work. The slogan of Ruritan is “Fellowship, Goodwill and Community Service.” Club membership represents a cross-section of the community in which the club serves, and is not restrictive with regard to occupation, social position, or any other specific criteria.
Having taken place during a regular business meeting, this award presentation was followed by discussions of the upcoming fundraisers and community service activities.
Monday nights in May (and beyond) are being dubbed “Rook Night” at the club building. Anyone is welcome to come play, at no charge, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. every Monday night, even if you don’t have a partner.
The club will be honoring local Fire/EMS/Police personnel as it celebrates Ruritan National’s birthday on Saturday, May 21. The celebration will feature a “Cruise-In” of local emergency vehicles and timeless classics. Food will be available on-site. This event will be held from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Ararat Ruritan Club building, located at 4711 Ararat Highway, Ararat, VA 24053.
The Patrick County Sheriff’s Office will conduct its quarterly Crime Watch in Ararat on Thursday, May 26 at 7 p.m. in the Ararat Ruritan Club building.
American flags will be placed on local veteran’s graves in honor of the Memorial Day holiday by some of the club’s veterans.
The club is hosting a patriotic barn quilt painting class on Saturday, June 25 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. To reserve your spot and submit your design choice, email lisaorpheus@gmail.com.
The doors will open for the monthly Jackpot Bingo at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, for the Cruise-In. Bingo starts at 6 p.m. and concessions will be available. Anyone who brings items for donation to the Ronald McDonald House will receive a free coverall. The list of items being collected is on the Ararat Ruritan Club Facebook page.
The club meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., and welcomes all to visit and help the club to help meet the needs of the community it serves.
The club also can be found on Facebook, where it posts up to date information about the club and events.
Call Secretary Pamela Smith at (276) 229-6931, message the club on Facebook, or email AraratRuritanClub@gmail.com for all things Ruritan.
