Mike and Kathy Wright, along with Richard and Gerry Lotze of Robertsville, attended the 79th Ruritan National Convention, held Jan. 22-25, at the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Cavilier Hotel. There were 932 Ruritans in attendance with 604 certified delegates. Representing Little Sandy Creek Ruritan Club as delegates were Mike past president, and Gerry, treasurer of the local club.
The flag ceremony and vespers Service opened the convention on Thursday evening, Jan. 21. During the opening, past national presidents and their wives were presented, as well as the 2009 president, Donald Worrell. An impressive flag ceremony followed a time of paying tribute to the 25 states that have 32,614 Ruritan members across our nation.
A memorial service was held, remembering all of the deceased members of the past year. The speaker for the evening was Gary M. Broadbent from Canton, the "boomerang guy." After demonstrating various boomerangs, he challenged all with a message of courage and determination.
The business session opened on Friday morning, with Worrell presiding. Officers' reports were given and candidates were introduced. Ruritan and Ruriteen of the Year were presented. At noon, the fellowship luncheon was held with First Lady Roseland Worrell. Entertainment was provided by the Hunt Family Fiddlers, who performed original, Celtic, bluegrass, inspirational, and popular tunes.
The annual auction, that same afternoon, raised more than $9,300 for the Ruritan National Foundation, which provides scholarships for students. New this year, we voted for our national offices in the afternoon instead of Saturday morning, by computer, instead of paper ballots.
The Saturday morning business session opened at 9:15 a.m. President Worrell recognized retiring national and district leaders, and presented awards. Little Sandy Creek was proud to be the recipient of two Gold Community Service awards. Only 24 were given to 17 clubs of the 61 clubs in the Ohio District.
Reports of the Registration and Credentials Committee, Resolutions Committee, and National Foundation were given. Heard were the secretary and treasurer reports. Election results were announced, and Jerome Rhodes, of Dawson, W.Va., will lead the organization for 2010.
During recognition of more than 60 years of perfect attendance, it was discovered that one gentleman was 97 and a half years old, and drove himself to the convention. Plans of touring the Navy ship were canceled as there were nine inches of snow, and the roads were awful. All were told to use the shuttle bus only, from the various hotels, as the parking lot at the convention center was not plowed.
The highlight of the convention was the Saturday evening banquet. Installation of new officers took place, and Rhodes gave a motivational acceptance speech, outlining plans for the coming year, providing presentation books for gaining new members and clubs.
Sunday morning church service was conducted by Dr. Russell Dean, retired pastor of First Baptist Church of Clinton, S.C. Dean has produced five recordings as a singer, and has served as soloist and song leader for the Ruritan National Conventions, since 1972.
The 2011 convention will be held at the Knoxville Convention Center in Knoxville, Tenn., Jan. 27-30, 2011.
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