Currently viewing the tag: "Lewistown Ruritan Club"

Dr. Raymond Ediger Talks About His New Book at Lewistown Ruritan Club

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Dr. Raymond Ediger, local veterinarian and Lewistown Ruritan Club member, was the guest speaker at the September Ruritan meeting. He talked about the stories in his new book entitled, Living, Loving and Laughing with Animals. It has been known for quite a while that Ray is an excellent storyteller. In fact, his daughter, Lynnelle, who has always enjoyed his stories, hoped that one day he would write a book about his many stories. According to Ray, storytelling is an art form. He started telling these “life-learning” stories many years ago, and the Lewistown Ruritan Club members were very entertained with these interesting events in his life. His book is now available for sale.

Pictured from left are Harold Staley, Program Committee; Loberta Staley, Program Committee; Ray Ediger, guest speaker; and Frank Warner, Lewistown Ruritan President.

Lewistown Ruritan Club Community Project for Lewistown Elementary

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Members of the Lewistown Ruritan volunteered to do a number of projects for the Lewistown Elementary School, prior to the start of school.

The projects included painting the curb in front of the school with yellow paint; disassembling and removing rotted lumber and replacing the boards on four picnic tables; and disassembling and replacing the boards on a bench, so it is usable. 

The Lewistown Ruritan prides itself for being able to provide support for many local community projects.

Pictured from left are Jim Brown, Steve Moser, Frank Warner, Ben Tilley, Jeff Barber, Greg Warner, and Patricia Goff.

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Award Presented for Years of Dedicated Service

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Kenny Hubbard has been a member of the Lewistown Ruritan Club for more than 54 years. Club President Frank Warner presented Kenny with an award from Ruritan Nation for special recognition for his years of service. During this time, Kenny has supported the Lewistown Ruritan Club in many ways, enabling them to be an active club in our neighborhood. He also helps with the club’s famous chicken BBQs, which is one of its major fundraisers.

Pictured from left are Kenny Hubbard and Frank Warner, Lewistown Ruritan President.

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Frederick County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit Speaks at Lewistown Ruritan Club

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Detectives from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit spoke at the June Meeting of the Lewistown Ruritan Club. 

These dedicated detectives provided a wealth of information on the narcotic activities not only in Frederick County, but throughout the United States.  Apparently, there are no easy solutions when it comes to American’s addiction crises. Overdose deaths of 100,000 lives in more than two years in a row occurs because of fentanyl poisoning. 

The detectives displayed some of the narcotics that are widely used throughout the United States and mentioned that there is a huge evidence of cocaine in this area. They mentioned that the “layperson Naloxone (NARCAN) training course” at the local health department will teach you how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer the opioid reversal drug, Naloxone. 

This was a very well-received presentation due to the nature of the subject and its presentation. The Ruritan recognizes the danger associated with the work these detectives and others do for the citizens of the United States and specifically here in Frederick County.

Money Donated to Lewistown Elementary School for the Purchase of New Cafeteria Tables

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Purchase of New Cafeteria Tables

The Lewistown Ruritan Club, Playground Specialists, and Catoctin Mountain Orchard partnered to donate $6,202 to purchase four new cafeteria tables for the Lewistown Elementary School. 

A dedication ceremony was held in the school cafeteria with plaques for each organization providing the funds. These dedication plaques will be hung on the wall outside the school cafeteria. The dedication ceremony was also attended by five Lewistown Elementary School students who shared what they loved about their school.

Pictured from left: (back row) Robert Black, Catoctin Mountain Orchard and a Lewistown Ruritan member; Odale Martin, Treasurer, Lewistown Ruritan Club; Loberta Staley, Secretary, Lewistown Ruritan Club; Frank Warner, President, Lewistown Ruritan Club; Jeffrey Barber, Playground Specialists and a Lewistown Ruritan member; and Belinda Fockler, Principal, Lewistown Elementary School; (front row) Judah Young (second grade); Breanna Shultz (fourth grade); Mailani Pu-Uloa (kindergarten); Madison French (fourth grade); and Anthony Vignola (second grade).

Lewistown Ruritan Club Welcomes Guest Speaker & New Member

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Pictured from left are Russ Thompson, Program Committee; Ray Ediger, Program Committee; Elizabeth Comer, guest speaker; and Harold Staley, Program Committee.

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Elizabeth Comer, an archaeologist who serves as the president of the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc. and president of EAC/Archaeology, Inc., was the guest speaker of the March meeting of the Lewistown Ruritan Club. 

Comer gave an interesting presentation on the historic industrial iron furnace and village at the foot of Maryland’s beautiful Catoctin Mountains.  She described the restoration project of this area that commemorates the state as a center for the craft of iron making. Her presentation was well received by the club members and guests, as evidenced by the lively question and answer period afterward.

In addition, the Lewistown Ruritan is proud to welcome Greg Daniels as a new member. Greg was sponsored by Jeff Barber, Lewistown Ruritan Club member. This is the fourth new member that Jeff has sponsored for the Lewistown Ruritan. 

The Lewistown Ruritan Club works to improve the community through funds raised from its famous chicken BBQs and other fundraising events. They always welcome new members to the Lewistown Ruritan.

The Lewistown Ruritan Club is proud to be an organization of positive people doing positive things in our community. The club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Lewistown United Methodist Church.

Lewistown Ruritan Club Presents Gold Award

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At the Potomac District Ruritan Convention, on behalf of the Lewistown Ruritan Club, Loberta Staley accepted the Gold Award given for the Potomac District Ruritan Community Service. This award is given to motivate individuals and clubs to higher levels of achievement and to recognize and reward those that have accomplished outstanding results.

The Lewistown Ruritan Club is proud to be an organization of positive people doing positive things in our community. They take pride in the things they bring to the community.

The Lewistown Ruritan Club is also presently sponsoring an essay for students at Catoctin High School and Thurmont Middle School on the importance of volunteerism. The club is sponsoring this contest because they feel that volunteerism creates a sense of pride and patriotism. Entries must be submitted by April 3. Essays should include all pertinent information; i.e. name of student, grade, and contact information, and be submitted to the Lewistown Ruritan, 10935 Old Frederick Road, Thurmont, MD 21788.

Pictured from left are Paul Lewis, Potomac District National Representative; Erich Fronck, District Governor for the Potomac District; and Loberta Staley, Lewistown Ruritan

Lewistown Ruritan Club Welcomes New Members

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The Lewistown Ruritan Club welcomed three new members at the February 6 meeting.

The Lewistown Ruritan Club is proud to be an organization of positive people doing positive things in our community The Club meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Lewistown United Methodist Church. New members are always welcome.

Pictured from left are Club President Frank Warner; Steve Moser, new member; Jeff Barber, sponsoring club member; Ray Ediger, new member; Jerry Carey, new member; and Harold Staley, sponsoring club member.

Lewistown Ruritan Club Holds Election of Officers

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Pictured from left are Wayne Harris, Zone 3 Lt. Governor, who performed the installation; Loberta Staley, secretary; Patricia Goff, director; Jim Brown, vice president; Frank Warner, president; Odale Martin, treasurer; and Trevella Foster, Zone 3 governor.

The Lewistown Ruritan Club held an election of officers at the January 3, 2023, meeting.

The Lewistown Ruritan Club is a service-oriented club that provides financial support for many local community functions, in addition to the annual scholarship program for local students. The club is also known for its famous chicken BBQs, held each year from May to October at the pavilion on U.S. Route 15 (north and Fish Hatchery Road).

 The club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Lewistown United Methodist Church. Come join the club at one of its regular dinner meetings to see if you are interested in joining this very active community organization.

Lewistown Ruritan Club Holds Annual Ladies Night

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The Lewistown Ruritan Club held their annual Ladies Night Dinner at Dutch’s Daughter Restaurant in November in appreciation of the ladies of the Lewistown United Methodist Church who prepare the dinners for the club’s monthly meetings and the wives of Ruritan members.

Frank Warner, Ruritan president, welcomed everyone and thanked the ladies of the Lewistown United Methodist Church for preparing the delicious meals for the Ruritan meetings.

Harold Staley (pictured on right), program committee, introduced Richard Cutter (pictured on left), a retired sheriff from New York as the guest speaker for the evening. Cutter provided a very interesting history on the origins of the Pledge of Allegiance. He described the various changes that were made prior to the acceptance of the pledge that we say today. The original purpose of the Pledge of Allegiance was to bring the United States together after the Civil War, which had caused a devastating divide in America. The Pledge was written in 1885 by Union Army officer George Thatcher Balch, with the purpose of healing the nation. This wonderful history lesson was appreciated by the members of the audience since the Pledge of Allegiance is said at every Ruritan Meeting.

Following the presentation of the guest speaker, Frank Warner distributed donations totaling $2,600 to the following organizations: Catoctin High School Safe & Sane, Team Hope, Lewistown Fire Co, Lewistown Elementary PTA, Lewistown United Methodist Women, Thurmont Food Bank, and the 4H Therapeutic Riding Club. At the annual picnic in August, $4,200 in scholarships were also awarded to local students.

The slogan of Ruritan is fellowship, goodwill, and community service. The Lewistown Ruritan Club is a service-oriented club that provides financial support for many local community functions, as well as the annual scholarship program for local students. Club membership represents a cross section of the community which the club serves and is available to all persons interested in joining. The club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Lewistown United Methodist Church in Lewistown.  New members are welcome. If interested in membership, plan to attend one of their meetings or contact Frank Warner at warnerf948@comcast.net.

Lewistown Ruritan Club Holds First Virtual Crab Feast Raffle

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The Lewistown Ruritan Club sponsored a virtual crab feast raffle as a summer fundraiser, suggested by Lewistown Ruritan Secretary Loberta Staley. All the tickets for this fundraiser were sold. The winner received $300 to purchase crabs, shrimp, or to be used however they choose. This was the first time the club has attempted to hold this type of fundraiser, and it proved quite popular.

The winning ticket was drawn at the Lewistown Ruritan annual picnic on August 2 at the Thurmont Community Park. The winning ticket holder was Angie Frye, who was quite excited to be the winner. 

The winning ticket was drawn by Lewistown Ruritan President Frank Warner. Loberta thanked everyone who participated in this successful fundraiser for the Lewistown Ruritan.

Lewistown Ruritan Club Awards Scholarships to Eight Students

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The Lewistown Ruritan Club awarded $4,200 in scholarships to eight students during the annual Ruritan picnic in August. Randy Green, co-chair of the Education and Scholarship Program for the Lewistown Ruritan Club, presented the scholarships to the students. The recipients of the scholarships (pictured above from left) include Dalton Mount, Westminster High School, who will be attending Waynesburg University; Lauren Anderson, Walkersville High School, who will be attending Bucknell University; Natalie Dodson, Catoctin High School, who will be attending Penn State at Altoona; Michael Staley, Walkersville High School, who will be attending University of North Carolina; and Aaron Matlock, Jefferson High School, who will be attending West Virginia University. 

Recipients receiving scholarships but were unable to attend include Jennifer Burrier, Catoctin High School, who will be attending Hagerstown Community College; Allison Rippeon, Catoctin High School, who will be attending Shippenburg University; and Nathan Mount, Loyola Blakefield, who will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology.

Funds for these scholarships were made possible through fundraising events by the Lewistown Ruritan. Ruritan is a national organization dedicated to improving communities and building a better America through fellowship, goodwill, and community service. We welcome new members to our meetings, held the first Tuesday of each month, at the Lewistown United Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. For questions regarding the Lewistown Ruritan Club, contact President Frank Warner at 301-898-5650.

Lewistown Ruritan Officers Installed

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The officers for the Lewistown Ruritan Club were installed at the March meeting by Trevella Foster, Ruritan Zone 3 Governor.

The club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Lewistown United Methodist Church in Lewistown.  The club is a service-oriented club that provides financial support for many local community functions, as well as the annual scholarship program for local students. New members are welcome.

If you are interested in membership with the Lewistown Ruritan Club, contact Frank Warner at 301-898-5650.

Pictured from left are Frank Warner, President; Jim Brown, Vice President; Trevella Foster, Zone 3 Governor; Loberta Staley, Secretary; Odale Martin, Treasurer; Richard Rippeon, Director; and Ron Gartrell, Director. Not pictured: Randy Green, Director.

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Lewistown Ruritan Club Presents the Ruritan Forever Award to Two Members

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At the November dinner/meeting at Dutch’s Daughter Restaurant, Lewistown Ruritan President Greg Warner presented Harold Staley and Richard Baseley the Ruritan Forever Award.

A Ruritan Forever Award helps solidify the future of the Ruritan Organization and recognizes members for their contributions toward the goals and achievements of the local organization. Harold Staley was recognized primarily for his organization and scheduling of the annual Lewistown Ruritan Golf Tournament for more than 20 years.  This was one of the main fundraisers for the Ruritan and the funds derived from these tournaments were used to provide scholarships for the local students.

Richard Baseley was recognized for his participation in the annual Lewistown Ruritan Chicken BBQs for countless years, which are a mainstay for the Lewistown Ruritan Club. Richard was usually the first one to arrive at each BBQ and could be counted on to ensure a successful event.

The Lewistown Ruritan President Greg Warner also announced the annual donations provided by the club to the following organizations: the Thurmont Food Bank, 4-H Therapeutic Riding, Lewistown District Volunteer Fire Department, Team Hope, Lewistown Elementary School PTA, Catoctin High School Safe and Sane, and the Lewistown United Methodist Church Women’s Group. These donations were made possible through the funds from the Lewistown Ruritan’s famous chicken barbeques.

The Lewistown Ruritan Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Lewistown United Methodist Church in Lewistown and welcomes new members at any time.

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Pictured are (from left) Harold Staley, Lewistown Ruritan Program Committee; Lewistown Ruritan President Greg Warner; and Richard Baseley, Lewistown BBQ Committee.

Lewistown Ruritan Club Welcomes New Members

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The Lewistown Ruritan Club recently welcomed three new members at its monthly dinner meeting in October.

The Lewistown Ruritan Club has been a mainstay of economic support for many community activities, which are funded by the famous Ruritan chicken BBQs held each year, May through October. The regular dinner/meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Lewistown United Methodist Church in Lewistown.  

New members are always welcome. To find out more about this active local Ruritan Club, contact Odale Martin at 301-898-7344 or Loberta Staley at 301-898-7914.

New members (from left): Ben Tillery, Jeff Barber, and Ryan Dunn, with Lewistown Ruritan Club President Greg Warner. 

Lewistown Ruritan Club’s Sign Gets a Facelift

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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.

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Gregg Warner (left) and Erik Legg stand by the newly renovated Lewistown Ruritan Club sign on Hessong Bridge Road.

Lewistown Ruritan Club Holds Installation of Officers

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The Lewistown Ruritan Club recently held the installation of the following officers by Lew Sherman, assistant governor for Zone 3: Randy Green—Director; Richard Rippeon—Director; Robert Thompson—Secretary; Lew Sherman—Assistant Governor for Zone 3; Odale Martin—Treasurer; Jim Brown—Vice President; and Greg Warner—President.

The Lewistown Ruritan Club was formed on August 16, 1960, and has been prominent in Lewistown since its inception. The Club has been a mainstay of economic support for many community activities. The money to fund these activities is raised by holding their famous chicken BBQs six times a year, from May through October. The location along U.S. Route 15 brings in many travelers, as well as the regulars.

The Club also provides scholarships to local high school graduates, funded by the annual golf tournament.

The Lewistown Ruritan Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Lewistown United Methodist Church.  

To find out more about this active local Ruritan Club or to become a member, contact James Brown at 301-898-5270 or any club member.


Lewistown Ruritan Club’s installation of officers.

Lewistown Ruritan Awards Scholarships

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The Lewistown Ruritan Club awarded scholarships to seven students at the annual Ruritan picnic in August.

The recipients and the schools they are attending are: Allison Rippeon, Shippensburg University;  Matt Gartrell, Mount Saint Mary’s University; Jennifer Lambert, Frederick Community College; and Aaron Matlock, West Virginia University.  Recipients not pictured are Meghan Jenkins, Salisbury University; Luke Staley, Hood College; and Allison Howard, Anne Arundel Community College.

Funds for these scholarships were derived from the annual Lewistown Ruritan Golf Tournament.  The members of the Lewistown Ruritan Club are proud to support these students in furthering their education.


Scholarship recipients pictured from left are: Allison Rippeon, Matt Gartrell, Jennifer Lambert, and Aaron Matlock. Recipients not pictured are Meghan Jenkins, Luke Staley, and Allison Howard.