Eagle Rock Ruritan Club wins district awards, honors veterans

The Ruritan Natural Bridge District Convention was held on November 7 at the new Discovery Center in Covington. Three Eagle Rock Club members, President Robert McRae, Publicity Chair Jane McRae, and Secretary Tommy Hunter, attended the meeting where it was announced that all five of their Community Service Committees received Gold Certificates for 2020 and 2021.  Those committees—Business and Professions, Citizenship and Patriotism, Environment, Public Services, and Social Development—help to guide the club as the members live out the motto of “Fellowship, Goodwill, and Community Service.”

The Eagle Rock Ruritan Club met on November 18 at the Eagle Rock Community Center. After the call to order and the traditional singing of “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” and the opening prayer, the club and guests enjoyed a meal provided by club members.

At the November meeting each year, the club members invite veterans to join them in observance of Veterans Day.  This year, three veterans, Richard Britt, George Reynolds, and Clayton Alexander, shared some of their experiences in serving. Club President Robert McRae read a message from Ruritan National President Linward Hedgpeth, thanking veterans for their willing, sacrificial contribution to the preservation of the Freedoms that we all enjoy.

Citizenship and Patriotism Committee Chair Bill Critcher reported that several members assisted in placing flags on veterans’ graves in the surrounding Eagle Rock area. He also shared with members the appreciation expressed by poll workers for the overwhelming turnout at the November election.

Peggy Hamm, Chair of Social Development Committee, reported a special gift from the club to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

It was announced that there was a second upcoming “Mobile Market” which was scheduled to visit the Eagle Rock Community Center parking lot in November. The October “Mobile Market” visit experienced a very encouraging turnout where 56 customers drove to the parking lot, gave their produce orders, and goods were brought to their vehicles.

Several club members have been directly involved in securing shuttle transportation from Eagle Rock and other areas in northern Botetourt to medical appointments. Radar Transportation has been contracted for these trial runs through early December.

The Ruritans are grateful to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Fincastle for the use of Emmanuel Chapel for community events such as hymn sings and Appalachian vespers. Also, the Eagle Rock Community Center is now available for use by individuals and groups. To make reservations, call 540-884-2775.

The Ruritan Club will meet again at 6:30 p.m. on December 21 at the Community Center.  Members will bring holiday finger foods to share before the Club installs new officers for 2022 and join in a brief Christmas Devotion.