Northwestern Ruritan Club elects 2026 officers, supports veterans and community initiatives

The Northwestern Ruritan Club met for its monthly dinner/meeting Monday, Oct. 13 at Northwestern High School. President Jamie Bowman called the meeting to order and welcomed members. The group joined in singing “America,” and the invocation was given by Jim Johnson. A dinner served by NWHS cooks was enjoyed by all.

2026 club officers were elected — President Bowman, Vice President Kim Wellert, Secretary Joyce Keener, Treasurer Chuck Beck, first-year Director Kevin Keener, second-year Director Mike Becker, and third-year Director Sherri Wellert. 

The September meeting minutes were read with no corrections or additions. Beck’s report was approved subject to audit. Letters and checks will soon be sent to the club’s scholarship recipients.

A motion was passed that the club make donations to Mohican Church Grocery Bag, Panda Preschool, Week Day Christian Education, West Salem Outreach, Salvation Army, Christian Children’s Home and Backpack Blessings. 

Beck reported that the next mailing of packages for the Huskie Brigade will be Nov. 16, following the November club meeting. Goodies for the packages will be appreciated. He knows of 24 soldiers from the area. 

Beck also reminded members that the next roadside trash pickup on state Route 301 between Pleasant Home and Lattasburg will be the following day. They will meet at 9 a.m. at the middle school.

Bowman reported that the next Parade of Flags will be put out for Veterans Day on Nov. 11. He appreciates members’ help with putting out the flags.

Keener reported what he has done with the Husky Salute Squad. He has been locating veterans’ graves in cemeteries in the Northwestern Local School District and placing flag holders with stars on unmarked graves. This is in conjunction with the National Wreaths Across America Day Ceremony on Dec. 13. The West Salem Legion Rifle Squad will be involved, and the NWHS FFA will help put out the wreaths. He will be speaking to the West Salem Legion about this project.

John Ertl reported on plans for the auction of donated items to be held in the NWHS Auditorium at the close of the Pancake/Sausage Day on March 14, 2026. Many items have already been offered, including two sides of a hog, etc. The first-year auction beneficiaries will be the New Pittsburg and Town & Country fire departments. He has auctioneers lined up who are volunteering.

Several members plan to attend the Ohio District Fall Convention on Nov. 8 at the Smithville Brethren Church, which includes officer training, lunch, a meeting, etc. Approval was given for Salvation Army bell ringing at Buehler’s Milltown Store this Christmas season.

The next dinner/meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10 at NWHS. The program will be by the Social Development Committee, Wellert, chair, has representatives of the Quota Club lined up to speak. 

The director’s meeting will be at 6 p.m. that evening in the library.

The business meeting was adjourned with the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.