[caption id="attachment_51497" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="wp-image-51497 size-large" src="https://theenterprise.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2021/04/Ararat-Club-1024x773.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="773" /> Winter Zone Meeting - Front Row: Dan River District Governor Charlie Bowman, Ararat Ruritan Club board member Mary Hill, Meadows of Dan Ruritan Club President Emily Handy, Meadows of Dan Ruritan Club Secretary Barbara Jo Newton, Ararat Ruritan Club Secretary Pamela Smith and Ararat Ruritan Club member Ashley Bowman; Back row: National Director Ed Hicks, Ararat Ruritan Club treasurer Kevin Smith, Ararat Ruritan Club board member Michael Noonkester and Ararat Ruritan Club president Merlin Scales.[/caption] The Ararat Ruritan Club held its regularly scheduled business meeting on Thursday, April 1. We have had a very busy first quarter. We held two virtual (Facebook live) Bingos, three gun/ammunition raffles plus we hosted a Community Easter Egg Hunt and a couple of canvas paintings. We also participated in a Road-Side Clean-Up and hosted a blood drive in conjunction with the American Red Cross. We also disbursed monies to the local rescue squads, fire departments, schools and other various organizations. Our club also hosted the Winter Zone Meeting with Dan River District Governor Charlie Bowman presiding. We are currently raising funds to replace our 25+ year old HVAC unit. There are plans for a Vendor/Craft Show, In-person CA$H Bingo and an Emergency Vehicle "Show" - and that is just May 2021 plans. We encourage folks from all of the counties to see what the Ararat Community has to offer during one of the upcoming events. Saturday, May 1 - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Vendor/Craft Show Saturday, May 15 - 6 p.m. - CA$H Bingo, doors open at 4:30 p.m., limited to 50 players, light refreshments will be available Saturday, May 22 - Area fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars will be on display as we honor our rescue squads and fire departments and their volunteers, and our local law enforcement officials. Hot Dogs will be available for purchase. To inquire on rental rates/availability (our building is available for rental for your reunions, showers, birthday parties, or other get-togethers), please contact Kevin Smith via telephone 276-251-1790, email AraratRuritanClub@gmail.com, or message us on FaceBook. Our club meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. You are cordially invited to visit with us and help us help our community meet its needs.
