Charles City Ruritan Club celebrates 60th anniversary

George Black, a founding member of Charles City Ruritan Club, receives a pin from National Ruritan Club president Phyllis Lewter. Looking on at right is Mike Morrison, governor of the Chesapeake District. At bottom, Charles City Ruritan Club president Cyrus Brame accepts a certificate of recognition from National Ruritan Club president Phyllis Lewter.

Andre' Jones photos

“Not many clubs reach a 60th anniversary.”

Those were the opening words from former Chesapeake District Governor of the Ruritan Club Sewell Rowley during the Nov. 15 celebration for the Charles City Ruritan Club’s 60th anniversary.

Charles City officials appeared at the dinner to celebrate the memorable event, including county administrator Zach Trogdon and Sherriff Javier Smith. Also in attendance were Ruritan club members from the regional and national level.

“There have been lots of challenging and innovating things that have happened over the years,” continued Rowley. “This anniversary is a chance to reflect the impact in the community and contributions made to the community.”

Charles City’s Ruritan club has worked in improving communities and building a better America through fellowship, goodwill, and community service. Among the achievements are awarding scholarships to Charles City High School graduates, helping raise money to provide food to the needy during the holidays, and taking time to organize events for the community to enjoy, such as the Steakfeast at Berkeley Plantation.

The growth of the organization can be attributed to three things, according to the Ruritan’s club national president Phyllis Lewter.

“The first thing that makes you all successful is that you are positive and optimistic,” Lewter said. “Second is teamwork.”

Lewter instructed attendees to look at the table where they were sitting. On each table, puzzle pieces blended in with the centerfolds.

“We have to work together to make the Charles City puzzle work,” she continued. “Each of you brings something to the table and when you put it together, you create a bigger picture.

“Finally, you all give back. Not just money, but your time. When we give we change lives; whether it’s through blood drives, the food bank, supporting the community, or even cleaning highways, you all do it because you care,” Lewter concluded.

Throughout the night, guests received just a glimpse of what the organization provides. Among the festivities included the induction of three new members, a giveaway of prizes created by club members, and honoring George Black, one of the original founders of the Charles City club who has been a member for all its 60 years of existence. On display were awards for the club’s recognition, as well as a framed copy of the original charter granted by the National Ruritan Club in 1952.

Charles City branch president Cyrus Brame spoke about his tenure coming to an end but the foreseeable future for the club’s endurance.

“This evening highlighted just a summary of things the Charles City Ruritan club has done,” said Brame. “Those things we do [as an organization] really make a difference.

“We shouldn’t rest on those laurels,” he continued. “We need to keep the fire going and continue to do work.”

Brame pointed to the influx of new members who have joined recently.

“We continue to grow and we are influencing young people to make a difference,” he said in his closing remarks.

Charles City Ruritan Club meets every third Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Methodist Church on John Tyler Highway.