Tnl-News.com - Lotzes attend 77th Ruritan National Convention held in Nashville, Tenn.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lotze of Robertsville attended the 77th Ruritan National Convention held Jan. 3 to 6 at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. There were 1,072 Ruritans in attendance with 658 certified delegates. Representing Little Sandy Creek Ruritan Club as a delegate was Mr. Lotze, treasurer of the local club.

The traditional vespers service opened the convention on Thursday evening. During the opening, past national presidents and their wives were presented, as well as 2007 President Jimmy Bristow and Ruritan First Lady Fran Bristow. Ohio's own past president, Dave Freshley, presented all of the past presidents and spouses that were present. Their speaker for the evening was Patrick "Clebe" McClary, whose message was of courage and determination. Clebe served as a Marine in the Vietnam conflict and lost an arm and an eye, among other injuries.

An impressive flag ceremony followed, paying tribute to the 25 states (one added this year, Missouri) that have almost 32,000 Ruritan members across the nation. For the first time in six years, the year ended on the plus side. A memorial service was held, remembering all deceased members of the past year. A reception honoring the national president and officers followed.

The business session opened on Friday morning with President Bristow presiding. Officer reports were given and candidates were introduced. Ruritan and Ruriteen of the year were presented. The Ruriteen of the Year was Bill Prosko from the United Local Ruriteen Club here in Ohio. At noon, the fellowship luncheon was held. Representatives of the local fire-and-rescue squads and Children's Hospital were in attendance to receive the 880 Rudy Bears which were donated by local Ruritan Clubs and members. Rudy is an 11-inch teddy bear to be given to children in traumatic situations to help calm them. $106,917 was collected by local clubs for their own area food banks and $992 was given to the Nashville area food banks. The annual auction followed, raising more than $7,000 for the Ruritan National Foundation, which provides scholarships for students.

Friday evening the Lotzes, along with 600 other fellow Ruritans, attended the Grand Ole Opry at the restored Ryman Theater in downtown Nashville.

Saturday morning, following the voting by delegates for 2008 officers, breakfast with the first lady, was enjoyed. Entertainment was provided by Dale Smith Thomas, who showed everyone "how to make a difference" with her quick-paced talk of various experiences.

The business session opened at 10 am. At this time, the president recognized retiring national and district leaders and presented awards. Little Sandy Creek was proud to be the recipient of two Gold Community Service Award (one of four in 62) and the Outstanding Club President Award (one of five in 62). Reports of the Registration and Credentials Committee, Resolutions Committee and National Foundation were given. Election results were announced, and Wayne Outlaw of Rocky Mount, N.C., will lead the organization for 2008.

The highlight of the convention was the Saturday evening banquet. Installation of new officers took place and the new president gave a motivational acceptance speech outlining plans for the coming year. Entertainment for the evening was "Tribute to the Stars of Country Music."

The Sunday morning church service was conducted by Dr. Russell Dean, retired pastor of First Baptist Church, Clinton, S.C. Dr. Dean has produced five recordings as a singer and has served as soloist and song leader for Ruritan National Conventions since 1972.

The 2009 convention will be held at Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel, Myrtle Beach, S.C., Jan. 22-25, 2009.