The Eagle Rock Ruritan Club is moving toward a new fiscal year in Community Objectives reporting. Each year at the Natural Bridge District Convention in November, the various clubs in the district report on the five areas of community service projects. This gives a broad picture of what Ruritan Clubs are and do for their respective communities as they live out the Ruritan National Motto of “Fellowship, Goodwill, and Community Service.”
As a part of the national organization, with headquarters in Dublin, our Eagle Rock club is doing its part in spreading goodwill, especially through service to the local Eagle Rock community. The members welcome comments and suggestions from people in the area on ways they may make it a better community.
When the club met recently at New Beginnings Assembly of God Church in Buchanan, members of the church provided a meal for Ruritans and their guests. Several members shared announcements of events for upcoming Veterans Day as well as the National Wild Turkey Federation in Botetourt County.
Membership Committee member Peggy Hamm welcomed new members Dr. Beth Leffel and Darrin Hill. The program was presented by Dr. Leffel, who answered the question, “What Does the Local School Board Do?” She compared the Superintendent of Education and School Board to the CEO and Board Members of a corporation. They are responsible for all aspects of the operation of the school system from budget to hiring of personnel to maintenance of all property, bus routes, etc., for educating children to be productive citizens in their communities. All of this, using tax dollars wisely in cooperation with county leadership. “Better schools help every citizen, even those who do not have children in school,” she said.
The Botetourt County Department of Public Health recently held meetings in different areas of the county to survey the needs and priorities of people in the county. The three top priorities were: 1) Help people stay in their homes by providing assistance and transportation; 2) Help people avoid risky behaviors by making better choices; and 3) Provide child care assistance for working parents.
Business and Professions Committee member Donna Vaughn announced that the club had bought T-shirts and water to sponsor 40 youth in the Fincastle 5K Run. Also, members learned that “Y Splashes” begin soon with all second graders in Botetourt County being given swimming lessons and boating safety tips.
Bill Critcher for the Citizenship and Patriotism Committee told the club that the Memorial Flag for the late Joe Buhrman had been flown over The Last Lock of the Kanawha Canal Park as Joe had requested.
Barbara Kolb, speaking for the Environment Committee, announced the last Trash Pick Up Day of the year to be held on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 9 a.m. Willing hands welcome.
Public Relations Committee member Robert McRae reminded the club that final preparations for the 2020 Eagle Rock Ruritan Club Community Birthday Calendar are under way. For changes, additions, or deletions, 540-797-6675 before October 1.
The Eagle Rock Community Center is available for individuals and groups to rent at a nominal fee to help with utilities by calling 884-2775.