The Ararat Ruritans held a lunch to thank all the area’s EMS agencies, including fire departments, rescue squads, and Patrick County Sheriff’s Office. Rudy Bear visited and more than 40 Rudy Bears were distributed as a gift to children when facing a trying time associated with these departments.
The Ararat Ruritans Club is a community club that has been serving the area for more than 67 years. The club has provided financial help to volunteer EMS agencies, a scholarship fund to area graduates, a backpack program at Blue Ridge School, and worked to address other needs.
The Patrick County Sheriff’s Office has hosted the Ararat Community Watch for more than 14 years in a program that began at The Blue Ridge Fellowship Church after the club consulted with then-sheriff David Hubbard about the need. In 2007 with Sheriff Dan Smith, the program was moved to to the club’s building.
The club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month. A covered dish supper is provided. The building is available for rent. For information, email araratruritanclub@gmail.com or call (276) 229- 6493, and (276) 229-6931. (Photos by Mary Dellenback Hill and Charlie Bowman)
