The Ararat Ruritan Club has sprung into action this spring, with lots of community service activities that are keeping members hopping.
Four members of the club braved the cold, windy, first Saturday of Spring and picked up trash alongside Ararat Highway, gathering 14 40-gallon bags of litter.
A barn quilt painting class was held earlier this month with lots of spring designs provided by Lisa Martin, owner/operator of The Wormy Chestnut.
During our March bingo, players donated items for the Redemption House-Surry for an extra coverall ticket. During our monthly business meeting, representatives from the organization presented their purpose and vision for the house, which among many other things, houses men who are recovering addicts. The collection of donated items were given to the house to help with their ministry.
Our club building is used in many ways. Not only do we host events/fundraisers, but also the building is available for rent for your reunions, showers, birthday parties, or other get-togethers.
A schedule of events for the next couple of months includes:
*April 14, the American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive. To make your appointment for between 1 and 6 p.m., please call Kevin Smith at (276) 229-6493.
*April 16 is the monthly Jackpot Bingo. Doors open at 5pm and play begins at 6 p.m. Concessions are available.
*April 21 will be a town hall meeting in which Dan River District Supervisor Brandon Simmons and School Board Representative Rob Martin will update citizens on the county and school issues. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m.
*May 4 is a barn quilt painting class. Anyone interested in this should contact instructor Lisa Martin at lisaorpheus@gmail.com to pre-register. The class will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
*May 21 is going to be a BIG day in Ararat. A Cruise-In is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. for classic cars, trucks and our local police, fire and rescue vehicles. Concessions will be available. Our famous hotdogs will be served at the Cruise-In and during our Jackpot Bingo later that evening. Doors open at 5 p.m. for the 6 p.m. Bingo.
The 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.
We encourage you to follow us on Facebook to be up to date on our club and our goings on.
Please contact Secretary Pamela Smith via telephone 276-229-6931, message us on Facebook, or via email AraratRuritanClub@gmail.com for all things Ruritan.