Northwestern Ruritan Club installs 2026 officers

The Northwestern Ruritan Club met for its Christmas dinner/meeting Monday, Dec. 8 at Northwestern High School.

The NW FFA provided Christmas table decorations. President Jamie Bowman called the meeting to order and welcomed members, wives and guests including Rick Dilyard, 2026 Ohio district governor. The group joined in singing “America,” and the invocation was given by Jim Johnson. A ham dinner was served by the NWHS chefs.

Dilyard installed the 2026 NW Club officers. He then emphasized the importance of the United States with the 250th anniversary coming up. “Freedom requires virtue,” he said, adding it's important to encourage children to appreciate the freedoms in the U.S.

The Northwestern High School Choir, led by Director Mrs. Leslie Andrews, entertained with Christmas songs.

Treasurer Chuck Beck’s report was approved subject to audit. A thank-you note was received from Kayla Cutter for her scholarship. Beck said the packing of packages for the NW-area soldiers, Huskie Brigade, went well. He said he appreciates the goodies for the packages that were brought in and the help with packing. He sent packages to 24 soldiers from the area. Beck also said he received paperwork from the state highway department about the club's plans to pick up trash along state Route 301 from Pleasant Home to Lattasburg in 2026.

Kevin and Joyce Keener again gave a report on what they are doing with the Husky Salute Squad. This is in conjunction with the National Wreaths Across America Day Ceremony, which took place Saturday, Dec. 13. Seven cemeteries in the NW School District were served, with 654 known veterans graves. The West Salem Legion Rifle Squad was involved in the opening ceremony at the West Salem American Legion Hall. The NWHS FFA and many others helped put out the wreaths. Banners were put out at each cemetery about the project.

Many members signed up for The Salvation Army bell-ringing at Buehler’s Milltown store Dec. 16.

It was mentioned few NWHS students know what the Ruritan Club is and does, so the club hopes the word can get out there somehow in the future.

The next dinner/meeting will be Monday, Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at NWHS. Club committees will meet to discuss plans for the year. The directors meeting will be at 6 p.m.

The business meeting was adjourned with the Pledge of Allegiance.