Northwestern Ruritan Club in Wooster plans Wreaths Across America project

The Northwestern Ruritan Club met for its monthly dinner/meeting Tuesday, Sept. 2 at the Long Military Museum in Wooster.

President Jamie Bowman called the meeting to order and welcomed members and guests. Several wives and several members of the museum including Greg Long were present. The group joined in singing “America,” and the invocation was given by Jim Johnson. There was a carry-in dinner, and Treasurer Chuck Beck’s report was approved subject to audit.

Beck said the next mailing of packages for the Huskie Brigade will be Nov. 15, following the November club meeting. Goodies for the packages would be appreciated.

Beck also said the next roadside trash pickup on Route 301 between Pleasant Home and Lattasburg will be Oct. 14, the day after the October meeting. The group will meet at 9 a.m. at the middle school. Assistance with that project would be appreciated.

Bowman said the next Parade of Flags is to be put out for Patriot Day, Sept. 11. A motion was passed that in future years Labor Day weekend be included to put out the flags because it is a federal holiday.

A new club committee was formed, Wreaths Across America, chaired by Kevin and Joyce Keener. Plans are to put wreaths on veterans’ graves in all cemeteries in the Northwestern Local School District, an estimated 300 veterans.

The wreaths cost $17 apiece. Kevin Keener is hoping to get other groups involved in the project. This is in conjunction with the National Wreaths Across America Day Ceremony on Dec. 13.

Motions were passed that the club purchase 50 wreaths for the West Salem Cemetery and 100 wreaths for the Mohican Church Cemetery.

Appreciation was given to John Ertl for arranging the meeting and the tour of the museum, with special thanks to all who brought the food items. The business meeting was adjourned with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Long, museum curator, then introduced the museum and the military veteran members who volunteered to escort attendees through the museum. It is loaded with military artifacts from World War I to the Global War on Terror. There are many life-like mannequins dressed in military outfits. The displays brought back memories for club members who are veterans of the various military branches.

The next dinner/meeting will be Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Northwestern High School. The membership committee, chaired by Kim Wellert, will have the program. The election of 2026 officers will be held. Club directors will meet in the school library at 6 p.m.