Northwestern Ruritan Club hears updates, approves donations and prepares for holiday service projects

The Northwestern Ruritan Club met for its monthly dinner/meeting Monday, Nov. 10 at Northwestern High School. President Jamie Bowman called the meeting to order and welcomed members and guest Chris Griffen. The group joined in singing “America,” and the invocation was given by Jim Johnson. Dinner was served by the NWHS chefs.

Julie Stahl, president of Quota of Wayne County, and Brenda Cherry informed the club about Quota International. Quota started in 1919 in Buffalo, New York as a service club for women. The word quota means a share of one part to a whole.

The club has expanded to include men and charter clubs in 14 countries worldwide, with the Wooster club having been one of the largest. The club now includes Orrville and West Salem and is Quota of Wayne County.

Objectives are to serve the community, promote high ethical standards, emphasize the dignity of all useful occupations, develop good fellowship and friendship, and advance the ideals of righteousness, justice, international understanding and goodwill.

The Wayne County club budgets over $70,000 annually to meet the needs of community projects, which include hearing aids, amplification sound equipment in classrooms, ear scan testing, personal care items for the needy and more.

The Wayne County club consists of 45 members (about 25 active).

The October meeting minutes were read with no corrections or additions. Treasurer Chuck Beck’s report was approved, subject to audit.

Thank-you notes were received for the club's donations to Panda Preschool, Christian Children’s Home, Mohican Church Grocery Bag and Danyel Hyatt for her scholarship.

A motion was passed to donate funds to Sharing Christmas, the NWHS choir and the NWHS Drama Club.

Bowman appreciated the help with the Parade of Flags for Veterans Day. It was mentioned how stunning the flags are, especially in front of the schools.

Kevin and Joyce Keener gave an extensive report of what they are doing with the Husky Salute Squad. A motion was passed that Kevin may have four banners made up to place at the cemeteries when flags and wreaths are put out.

Kevin and Joyce Keener have been locating veterans’ graves in cemeteries in the NW Local School District and placing flag holders with stars on unmarked graves. They have located 986 veterans’ graves so far. Marker flags will be put out on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This is in conjunction with the National Wreaths Across America Day ceremony Dec. 13. The West Salem Legion Rifle Squad will be involved, and the NWHS FFA will help place the wreaths.

John Ertl reported on plans for the Community Benefit Auction of donated items to be held in the NWHS auditorium at the close of the club's Pancake/Sausage Day March 14. Many items have been offered. The first-year auction beneficiaries will be the New Pittsburg and Town & Country fire departments. There are auctioneers lined up who are volunteering.

Bowman said five club members attended the Ohio District Fall Convention Nov. 8 at Smithville Brethren Church. Gold honor certificates were presented for the Citizenship & Patriotism Committee and the Social Development Committee. Retiring club secretary Jerry Payn was honored to receive the Tom Downing Fellowship Award for Ruritan Service in the Ohio District. Many members signed up to ring bells for The Salvation Army at Buehler’s Milltown store Dec. 16.

The business meeting was adjourned with the "Pledge of Allegiance." The next dinner/meeting will be Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at NWHS, with spouses invited. The NWHS choir will perform, and the 2026 club officers will be installed. The directors meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. in the library.