When there’s a shortage of good news, local Lewistown neighbors come together to do some good. Driving along Hessong Bridge Road, you may have noticed that the Lewistown Ruritan Club sign got a bit of a facelift. Erik Legg, of Meadowland Agricultural Farm, donated his time to make the sign stand out. Adding evergreen holly bushes, deer-resistant salvia, native Black-eyed Susans, and all-season liriope, he wanted to call attention to “this special group of people in the community.” He added, “We have a great town, and we should take pride in it.”
Founded in 1960, the Lewistown Ruritan Club aims to achieve fellowship, goodwill, and community service. Overseen by President Gregg Warner, the club proudly carries on its 60-year-old tradition of doing positive things in the community. Together, members work to improve areas of business and professionalism, patriotism and citizenship, environment, public service, and social development.
Members survey the needs of the community and decide where they can best lend a hand. This year, the club had to adjust to the COVID-19 regulations, holding only four of the traditional six chicken BBQs, which started in May and went through October. The BBQ’s were well-attended by the community. With the funds raised, the club could financially assist with other local non-profit and community needs. From contributing to local food banks, supporting 4-H, awarding scholarships to local teens, and helping the elderly and infirm, the Lewistown Ruritans help make the community stronger, even in the face of tough times.
“COVID-19 has shifted some things around,” Warner said. “We need to wait to see which events will actually take place before we can commit to helping fund them; however, we know there are plenty of opportunities to help.” While not an official club member [yet], Legg believes, in addition to local organizations, such as the Lewistown Ruritans, volunteerism is a great way to make the world a better place. “If we aren’t willing to help out on a very local level—in our own homes, our own towns, churches, schools, and so on—how can we expect to positively impact society?” It might have been a small thing to add perennials to a road sign, but maybe a little splash of color these days can go a long way.
If you are interested in getting involved to make a difference, consider joining the Lewistown Ruritan Club. Members meet monthly on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Lewistown United Methodist Church. To request your membership application or to learn more about the benefits of joining, contact Gregg Warner via email at warner153@yahool.com.
Courtesy Photo
Gregg Warner (left) and Erik Legg stand by the newly renovated Lewistown Ruritan Club sign on Hessong Bridge Road.
