Collettsville Ruritan Club

09/05/2026

Our September meeting was a full house. President Reuben welcomed our past District Governor, Leslie Gentry, as our program. Leslie, involved with District Training, gave us the history of Ruritan, which began in 1928 in Virginia. Our Zone Governor, Karla Laws, was also present.

We received a school update by Principal Amy Brawley, and updates from Kasey Gragg and Brandy Story about the Ruritan Youth Club.

Patsy announced grant money coming from Samaritan’s Purse – $130,000 to help build the park playground. The connection with Samaritan’s Purse was made possible by Joe & Tonia Watson.

Reuben announced new members Bob & Mary Rombs, and gave Ron Vance the Gold Key Award.
Finally, Reuben announced Ruritan Forever award presented to Allen Tolbert. Congrats to All!

Other news:
- Nominating Committee announced 2027 Officers:
Reuben, Pres; Anita Pinson, VP; Patsy, Sec; Kim Vance, Treas
New Board members: Melvin Chandler, 1 yr; John Rader, 2 yr; Ron Vance, 3 yr
- Bingo Thursday Sept 10 @6:30. Can use volunteers at 6pm, as well desserts.
- Blood Drive is Oct 22. Sign up and Give the Gift of Life.
- District Convention is Nov 7 in Mt. Grove.
- Collettsville Ruritan is 10th in the country for growth.

Photos:
Leslie, Carla, Patsy, Joe/Tonia, Bob/Mary, Ron/Reuben, Allen/Reuben

09/05/2026

The Club’s August meeting honored Mary Lou Vance with the Ruritan Forever award. Mary Lou is pictured with President Reuben and with her family. Congratulations to Mary Lou for all the years of service to Ruritan!
Scholarship recipients this year are Addison Woods, Zoe McElyea, Cassie Good and Madden Triplett.
Addison, Zoe and Cassie are pictured with Reuben. Congrats to all the recipients. Good luck this year!

08/25/2026

From Allison at Second Harvest Food Bank:
I hope you had a wonderful summer! We will be at Hard and Flossie Park in Collettsville for a food distribution this Friday, 8/28 starting at noon.
We will have enough produce, meat, and eggs for the first 60 households.
The only information we ask is how many total in the household, how many 0-18, and how many 60+ .

Please share within your community; individuals are strongly encouraged to pick up for others!

08/12/2026

Bingo this Thursday @ 6:30pm. Help is needed. If you can assist with the food, please text Patsy - 828-446-7506.
Come on out and have some fun!

07/22/2026

Second Harvest Food Bank at the park this Friday August 24 at 12pm.
Second Harvest states: We will have enough food for 54 families, first come first serve. We will be distributing produce, meat and eggs from 12pm-1pm or until the food runs out. Individuals are strongly encouraged to pick up for friends, family, neighbors etc. The only thing we ask is how many total in the household, how many 0-18, and how many 60+.

07/12/2026

President Reuben kicked off the July picnic meeting. He thanked the July 4th committee for our 250 Celebration. It was a wonderful event (in spite of the heat).
Our program was Paige Counts, Public Information Officer at Caldwell County. Paige announced a $100,000 state grant for repair of our Hard and Flossie Clark Family Park. Thanks to our state representative Senator Ralph Hise.
Paige described a recent history display at the county office building. She then asked for volunteers to play a game. The 3 teams had to answer trivia questions about the surrounding area, with answers such as The Globe and 1841.
Our August meeting will have our scholarship winners. And we welcomed new members Mike and Karen Whipple. Congrats to them!
Photos include the July 4th committee--Vickie Miller, Kirsti Shatley, Ron Vance & Loryn Rader; Paige and her trivia players; and Mike & Karen.

07/09/2026

Reminder: Collettsville Ruritan Club Bingo is tonight @6:30. Come early and volunteer. Or come to play.

07/05/2026

06/24/2026

Collettsville Ruritan America’s 250th Celebration

The Collettsville Ruritan Club will be hosting a 250th Celebration for America at the Hard & Flossie Clark Family Park! We will kick off the event with a Parade at 11 AM. At the park, we will continue the celebration with vendors, music, food, bingo, and an inflatable for the kids! Come out and enjoy the fun as we celebrate our country’s 250th year! If you are interested in being in the parade or a vendor, see the links below!

Parade Registration Link
https://forms.gle/suaBTK4P65FDqPeLA

Vendor Application Link
https://forms.gle/P7SuAhgct1qFqtQp9