History
History of Hanover Ruritan Club
After an organizational meeting in March, 1936, the Ruritan
club of Henry District was organized on the third Tuesday of
May, 1936, and the third Tuesday remains our meeting date. The
club was sponsored by the Varina Club. Mr T.V. Downing,
Supervisor of Vocational Agriculture for Eastern Virginia was
instrumental in getting the club organized.
Those active in securing members, the initial charter, and
the preparation of by-laws were J. Walton Hall, W.R. Shelton,
E.P. Reece, J.M. Ruffin, Jr., P.E. Rawls, Mercer O. Clarke, I.K.
Redd, John E. Mann, R.A. Craig, F.B. Bradley, and E.P. Simpkins,
Jr.
The initial dues were $8.00 per year. Meetings alternated at
Atlee High School and Battlefield High School. The PTAs would
serve the meals. Members were drawn from Hanover and King
William counties.
The charter was presented by Grayson F. Holt, President of
Ruritan National, to P.E. Rawls, the first President. The
original charter is on display with the identities of the
original charter members. On May 16, 1939, the club changed its
name to the Hanover Ruritan Club.
The presidents and significant events of record during the
years 1936-1969 were:
1936
P.E. Rawls
1937
W.O. Clarke
1938
J.S. Cogle – King William sponsored
1939
W.B. Newton – Bus service to Richmond started
1940
E.C. Thomas
1941
Dr. V.E. Jernigan
1942
Dr. C.E. Myers – Old Church to Richmond bus service
started
1943
The Rev. R.K. McDonald
1944
T.E. West, Jr.
1945
H.C. Bently
1946
E. Ray Winters
1947
J.N. Wright
1948
L.O. Spiers – Club began auction sales, Dr. C.E.
Myers served as National President
1949
E.P. Simpkins, Jr.
1950
Paul Swasey
1951
Ed Lowery
1952
C.D. Mayer
1953
B.W. Sadler – Started student loan fund and sponsored
carnival
1954
G.H. Burrough
1955
S.E. Thompson – Sponsored Court House Club
1956
P.S. Holt – C.D. Myer elected District Governor
1957
E.V. Coville
1958
J.S. Burnette
1959
J.A. Winters (Son of J.A. Winters) – Began Easter
flower sale
1960
Ed Garrison
1961
T. Ellis Kirby
1962
J.B. McGhee, Jr. – Won District Community Service
Award
1963
T. Graham Copeland, Jr.
1964
R.R. Jeter, Jr
1965
R.F Jett
1966
W. Grant Thomas – Sponsored Cold Harbor Club
1967
Fred Doggett
1968
Curtis Pilson
1969
Sam B. Blankenship
We entered 1970 under the leadership of Gordon Johnson, followed by
Roger Mitchell (1971), Gilbert Faison (1972), and Gene Armstrong
(1973). We are changing are projects to meet the needs of the
community that we serve. The Easter flower sale was discontinued;
the April Auction was changed to a sponsored Flea Market in April
and September and solicitations for other charities were
discontinued as results did not justify the manpower used.
In 1974, under President Bernard Chudoba, the club purchased a
boat for the rescue squad. Hugh Lipscomb (1975) led us as we
purchased a public address system for the Lee Davis High School
cafeteria, financially and materially assisted a burned out family,
and financially assisted in the chartering of a Boy Scout troop at
Hanover Learning Center.
In the nation’s bicentennial year, C.E. Jones, Jr. was
President. We erected a flag pole at the west end of
Mechanicsville. Our Congressman secured a flag for this pole which
was flown over the capital on April 15, 1976. Ruritan National
recognized this effort. We purchased and donated five rebuilt
washers to the Barrett Learning Center and contributed $500 to the
acquisition of the Mechanicsville Little League permanent site.
In 1977, under James N. Wright, Jr. son of J. Neal Wright (1947),
we again moved to better serve the community. We established a $500
emergency fund which could be used by the Board of Directors for
disaster type emergencies. Under the regular procedures, we found
that the need was past by the next regular club meeting.
1978 was a year of growth under Albert D. “Jack” Cale. We gave
$300 as a matching contribution for tennis courts and $100 to the
Choral Group (both at Lee Davis). The Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire
Department lost a pumper in an accident and we gave $1000 towards
the replacement. The Transportation committee conducted a survey to
determine the need for a fringe area parking lot and express bus
service. The project continued into the next year with an 108 space
parking lot being dedicated by Vice-President Buddy Evans on
September 24, 1979. Unfortunately, the express bus service was
abandoned after a trial period but the lot has substantial use.
We honored Patrick Henry with the erection of a sculptured
aluminum plaque at Hanover Court House in 1979. T. Lynch Hubbard
was our President.
We enhanced the visibility of the members in 1980 when each
member purchased a distinctive Ruritan hat. Robert G. Evans, DDS,
was President. During the seventies, the club and individual
members and families were active in sponsoring the AFS International
Exchange program at Lee Davis. With support, the program was
self-supporting by the end of the seventies. We had a very
profitable Christmas tree sale in 1980.
In 1981, under John A. Rawls, MD (son of P.E. Rawls, 1936), we
continued our public projects and celebrated our 45th
anniversary. At our dinner meeting on May 19, 1981, Grayson Holt, a
past President of Ruritan National, who presented the charter in
1936, was present as was Tom Downing, Secretary Emeritus of Ruritan
National (who was instrumental in chartering our club). Both gave
short talks. The wives of members were invited. Frank Ellsworth
died this year.
President Pete Minter had a slow start in 1982. Snow caused the
cancellation of both the board and club meetings in January. We
came back in February to hear Ms. Fran Freimark, director of
Pamunkey Regional Library present a program which included models of
the proposed and authorized Mechanicsville Library. A spontaneous
passing of the hat raised $102.50 for equipment for the building,
which was later supplemented with $500 from the club. The Public
Service Committee proposed a project to construct the circulation
desk for the library. The estimate cost of this project was $5000
to the county. The club adopted the project and the county accepted
our offer to build it. Plans were studied and material priced for
ordering.
In 1983, the circulation desk materials were ordered and three
members of the Public Service Committee erected the 31 foot long
semi-circular desk with the expenditure of $760 and 200 hours of
work. While this project was completed under Tommy Johnson’s term
as President, the club received no awards at any level. It was
featured in the Ruritan National magazine and the Library Journal.
After much study, on July 19, 1983, the club authorized the purchase
of ten to fifteen acres of land for a club house.
President Sonny Crump led us through 1984 with the Board of
Directors commitment to contribute $500 per year to our Student Loan
Fund. We received a use permit for our proposed land purchase which
became a reality in December, 1984. This year marked the passing of
O.O. Alexander and Garnett Brooks.
In 1985, land was cleared for a club house and a building fund
was started. Lloyd Bromley was President. Mindful of our
objectives of public servic, we gave $5925 for these purposes,
including $2000 to our Student Loan Fund. For many year, our
contributions in this area have averaged more than $5000 per year.
This year marked the deaths of Douglas L. “Sonny” Crump, W. Grant
Thomas, and Willie Tyree.
Having previously authorized incorporation of the Club, the
members approved a charter on April 15, 1986 and the State
Corporation Commission granted articles of incorporation on April
17, 1986. Thus we entered our second fifty years in corporate
form. President Bill Collins led us through 1986 and we celebrated
our 50th anniversary. At our dinner meeting on May 19,
1986, Grayson Holt, Charter Patron, and David Freshly (National
Ruritan President) were presented as honored guests. Mills Godwin,
former Governor of Virginia, gave the keynote address. Wives of the
club members were in attendance. William Crowe died this year.
Our President in 1987 was Robert L. Wood, who continued to work
very hard to promote Committee Service through Ruritan activities.
Our fund raising activities still consisted of our annual Christmas
tree sale and the Spring and Fall flea markets. Sheriff John B.
Vaughan, C.W. Liggan, Bill Tinsley and Phils S. Holt died this year.
During President Grayson Balderson’s term, Hanover and Cold
Harbor agreed to jointly build a structure on Ruritan land. Robert
Porter died this year, 1988
In 1989, under President Charles Faris and through members
efforts, we increased our membership by seven. Christmas tree sale
project netted $7631. Continued use of “Why I Love America” essay
contest was beneficial to the schools involved. Lester Belter died
this year.
The year 1990 under George A. Williams, several of our members
participated in the Hugo Rescue Mission. Our community service
committees were extremely active during the year, resulting in three
awards at the Chesapeake District Convention in Williamsburg,
December 1, 1990. We continued to focus on Drug Abuse with the DARE
program. This year marked the passing of Sam Cowen, Charles Faris,
Stanley Gaulding, W. Granville Stewart and John L. Zelinsky.
In 1991, Bill Beck served as President. The club celebrated its
55th anniversary with an open house on the date of our
charter, May 19th. Distinquished guests were National
Ruritan President, District Governor, Lt Governor, Zone I Governor,
and the Presidents of Zone I Ruritan Clubs. John Mann was honored
at our regular meeting night as our living charter member still
active in the Club.
The presidency of George T. Williams saw the presentation of
“Rudy Bears” to the East Hanover Rescue Squad, the service of
Cleveland Bosher as interim Secretary replacing Robert Bunting, and
a St Patrick’s Day/Ladies Night with 74 members and 64 guests in
attendance. The Spring Flea Market had 124 spaces sold and netted
over $3000. Ruritan Park and building plans for the park were
subjects of discussion, but no action. Members Tom Bourne and
Claude Brooks died this year.
Cleveland Bosher was our leader in 1993. Excessive rain forced
cancellation of the spring Flea Market and Highway Cleanup but the
sun was shining on the Chesapeake District Picnic at our Ruritan
Park in May. Meals were $5.50 and yearly dues were $72.00. A Fall
“Dove Shoot” was proposed to replace revenue by the Flea Market
washout. The idea was dropped since our liability insurance would
not cover it. Club was awarded 2nd place plaque for our
Human Development program.
M. Gordon Johnson served as President for the second time in
1994. During that year the Ruritan Park property was paid off,
membership went to 101, Christmas Tree sales collected $6800 and Bob
Jeter was honored as Ruritan of the Year. It was also the year that
we first sponsored the Hospitality Room at the District Convention.
The Club received the Governor’s Achievement Gold Award, received 1st
place at the district level for our Environment Committee, and
received awards at the zone level (1st place, Business
and Professions; 2nd place, Human Development).
The quarterly roll call was adopted in 1995 under President Bob
Jewell. During this year, the committee for Preservation of Club
Records was formed and plans were presented for a 6000 square foot
building at the Ruritan Park (with estimated costs at the time of
$230,000). We could not reached consensus with the Cold Harbor
club on the building as they indicated it would be 10 years before
they could afford to pay their share of the cost. Grayson Balderson
was recognized for the job that his group had done with the park
pavilion. The Club received a $1000 bequest from the estate of
Claude Brooks, which was put in the Building Fund. This year marked
the passing of B.J. Holt and John Mann (Charter Member and the
Club’s 1st Treasurer).
Bill Beck returned for second term as our President in 1996. The
Club year started on a cool note as snow forced the cancellation of
the 1st Board Meeting. The Spring Flea Market had 125
spaces sold and cleared $2300. George and Phylis Williams were
presented the Community Service Award at the Ladies Night. Senator
Bill Bolling was guest speaker at one of our meetings, and Christmas
Tree sale profits hit $7000. The Mechanicsville Ruritan Club was
given permission to erect a storage building at Hanover/Cold Harbor
Ruritan Park. This year marked the death of Alonzo Jones on January
6th.
Bob Wildbore filled the Presidents seat in 1997. During his
term, extensive negotiations took place with the Cold Harbor Club
regarding development of the Ruritan Park. No agreement could be
reached or solution found. Our club voted to join with Colonial
Farm Credit in a Scholarship Award Program. In this year (by secret
ballot), the club voted to study feasibility of moving the Flea
Market location from Battlefield School to Ruritan Park. Annual
dues were $84.00 per year.
Mike Chenault was President in 1998. This year marked a
significant change to the club. Members voted in favor of a
“declaration of intent” to admit women members “if they applied”.
Earlier in the year, the Club helped sponsor Agriculture Day for
1200 3rd Grade students and commended Bernard Armentrout
and crew for improvements to the parking and drainage at Ruritan
Park and commended Gene Armstrong for improvements to the lights.
In 1999, Grayson Balderson came back for another term as
President. We had 111 members on the roster at the start of the
year and 9 new members were initiated at the February meeting. The
Golden Key Membership recruitment program was instituted by Ruritan
National and a new Membership Directory (with pictures) was
introduced by Scott Gardner. Hanover Ruritan Club went “cyber” with
a new Web Page set up by Pat Balderson. A $1000 donation to the Red
Cross was earmarked for Hurricane Floyd Disaster Relief.
Thirty-six members received Perfect Attendance pins (6 members had
over 25 years of consecutive perfect attendance). Concern was
raised with the declining vendor participation in our Flea Markets.
“Smokey” West, a 40 year member, passed away and a donation was made
to Ruritan National Foundation in his memory.
David Edmondson led us through 2000 as the century and Hanover
Ruritan Club’s 64th year ended. Our new Secretary was
Pat Balderson. Member concerns were raised on such things as “what
to do with the Building Fund?” and “how to breath new life into some
declining fund raisers?” In the meantime, $2500 was allocated to
paint the pavilion at the park. Charles Moorehead offered to donate
monies to erect a flag pole at the Ruritan Park. Forty-three
members got Perfect Attendance Pins (representing 438 total years).
Clarence Hughes and Wellford Tate each sold over 200 Steak Feast
Tickets (225 and 221 respectively). There are now 14 Ruritan Clubs
in Hanover. Grayson Balderson served as Zone Governor, and Gordon
Johnson served as Lt. Zone Governor. Annual dues were $100.00
Hanover Ruritan Club entered the 21st Century under
the leadership of Stephen Lambert. The first financial report of
the year disclosed a profit of $8,600 from our year 2000 Christmas
Tree Sales. This amount was later augmented by $9,500 from our
Steak Feast and $2,400 from our Flea Markets. A 6ft x 3ft banner
bearing “Ruritan National” and “Hanover Ruritan Club” for display at
major events. Member Charles Moorehead upped his donation for
Ruritan Park flagpoles to $3,000. His offer was made in memory of
Al Randall. Fifty members, representing 488 years total, received
perfect attendance pins. On May 15th, Hanover Ruritan
Club celebrated its 65th Anniversary with a party at
Walnut Grove Baptist Church. Members and guests totaled 215.
Among attendees were National President Betty Chaney, National
Director Laura Northstein, District Governor Elliott Hogge, and
District Lt Governor Charlie Bell. Also in attendance was Julia May
Mann, sole remaining widow of a charter member. Both Pres. Chaney
and Gov Hogge spoke, congratulating our club and Mrs Chaney
presented a certificate honoring our 65 years of service. John
Rawls, son of our first president, gave a brief synopsis of Hanover
Ruritan history. Membership having outgrown our meeting space, it
was decided that effective January 2002 all of our meetings would be
held at Walnut Grove Baptist Church with 6:30 as year-round
starting time.
The first meeting of 2002 found Sid Borkey at the helm..but not
for long. At February’s meeting, he announced that he was moving
from the area and could no longer server. Cleveland Bosher, Chmn.
Nominating Committee, presented their recommendation that Kirby
Porter move up to President and that Cole Tucker become new VP.
Seventy one members (of 112) worked 556 hours to give us a profit of
$8,138 on Christmas Tree Sales in 2001. Our Club also netted
$1,012 from Ad sales in the District Convention Program, $2,739 from
the Flea Markets, and $10,415 from the Steak Feast. The
long-awaited flag poles were installed at the Ruritan Park in
February, following which Hanover and Cold Harbor Ruritan Clubs each
pledged $500 for construction of a landscaped area surrounding
them. Also, at the County Health Department’s behest, the outdoor
cooking area at the Ruritan Park was covered. Another upgrade at
the Park was the purchase of a new shed to replace the old truck
body storage space. And to the delight of all concerned, the
monthly meeting “sign-in” attendance register at the door replaced
the time consuming roll call.
The Hanover Ruritan Club entered the year 2003 with 113 members
on the roll under the leadership of President Cole Tucker. Also
serving were Rick Doggett, VP, Pat Balderson, Sec, and Pete Rawls,
Treasurer with Nelson Pruden, Fred Doggett, and Bob Carter as
Directors. Our 2002 Christmas Tree Sale project netted $7,001,
Spring Flea Market added $753, and Fall Flea Market kicked in
$622. Much time was spent by Officers and Board Members discussing
rejuvenation or replacement of fund-raising projects to increase
revenue. To this end, Dr. John Rawls was named to head a committee
to investigate and recommend new projects. As part of a National
program, our Club voted to contribute $1 per member to the D-Day
Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. Our club was diminished by the
deaths of two outstanding members during the year. In June, Fred E.
Doggett, a 42 year member with 42 years perfect attendance, passed
away. Fred had served on almost every committee, was President in
1967, received the Community Service Award in 1968 and was a member
of the current Board of Directors. In September, Scott Gardner,
active in the publication of our Newsletter and Editor of the
Yearbook passed following a long illness. Roger Mitchell was named
to complete Fred’s unexpired term on the Board. Perfect Attendance
was awarded to 56 members, representing 476 years perfect
attendance.
The destiny of the Club in 2004 lay in the capable hands for Rick
Doggett, with an opening membership of 115 members. Christmas Tree
Sales for the 2003 funded our endeavors by $5,600 and involved 696
hours of service. The Spring Flea Market saw 77 vendor spots sold
and an income of $1,100 in spot sales. Our traditional fund-raiser
Steak Feast was expanded to a Steak N Race with the addition of
lawn-mower races and children’s attractions. This proved to be
extremely popular, attracting corporate sponsors and attendees, with
an addition to our coffers of $19,741. A new fund-raisers was
initiated to replace the Fall Flea Market, the Sports Raffle.
Numbered tickets, good for a 50 week period were sold ($25 each)
with the weekly winner determined by the Virginia Lottery Tuesday
Pick-3 drawing. Sales totaled over 900 tickets with projects
totaling over $11,500. Ray Davis received the annual Community
Service Award. Board discretionary spending allowance was increased
to $250. Members Mike Smith and Merle Smith passed away. Two
events involving the Ruritan Park occurred during the year: First,
Paul Sawyer, owner of several abutting properties and businesses,
requested permission to run water and sewer lines across the
property. The deal included connecting our building to these
services. Approval was granted, but Mr Sawyers demise put this on
hold. Second, the Club was approached with an offer to buy the
Ruritan Park. After membership discussion and consultation with
Cold Harbor Club, both clubs voted against any sale.
Hanover Ruritan Club, with President Marty Martin at the helm,
sailed into 2005 with a crew of 118 able-bodied members aboard, and
the announcement that our 2004 Christmas Tree Project netted $5464
for our coffers. The Steak Feast Committee, which has expanded the
scope (and value) of this project was given approval to purchase a
food warmer and exhibitor tents. A new budget process was
presented and adopted that more closely tied expenditures to
activity income. The Board of Directors meeting night was changed
to the 2nd Thursday of each month and, after a
disappointing profit of $700 from the Spring Flea Market, the
Fund-Raising committee was asked to find a replacement for this
project. An official agreement regarding the improvement, use and
disposition of the Ruritan Park was entered into and recorded
between Hanover Ruritan Club and Cold Harbor Ruritan Club,
co-owners. Our Board suggested that the Ruritan Park pavilion be
enclosed, but the Cold Harbor club quickly voted against it. Motion
was then made, seconded and passed to explore the construction of an
all-new, enlarged, multi-purpose building. The first year of the
Sports Raffle officially netted $12,400. The 2006 version was
kicked off at the Steak Feast. Long-time member, Judge Robert
Beaver, passed away on Sept 16th and the year ended sadly
with the sudden death of Dr. John Rawls.
The 2006 year was led by Walter Drew. The club started the
year with 123 members and was the second largest in the nation.
Having completed 2005 with a $6,000 profit from Christmas Tree
sales, our first donation for 2006 was $1,000 to the Hanover
Veterans Memorial at Hanover Wayside Park. A gala 70th
Anniversary Celebration was held May 17th and highlight by the
presentation by District Governor Carson Stanley of a Recognition
Certificate and Roster of Charter from Ruritan National.
During the year, we continued to upgrade the Ruritan Park with a new
gate and commitment to install a septic system. Our
Steak N Race event and Sports Raffle raised over $12,000.
To support Walnut Grove's kitchen facilities, the club donated
$500.00 toward the purchase of a new cooking range. Once
again, our Club's efforts were recognized at the District Convention
with 1 Silver and 4 Bronze Awards. During the Community
Service Banquet, Grayson and Pat Balderson were presented the
Community Service Award.
Under the capable leadership of Greg Koegler, Hanover Ruritan
Club, entered 2007 with 120 active members. After 52 years as
Chairman of the Sick committee, Pat Oatman stepped down. His
position was taken over by David Edmundson and the name was changed
to the Fellowship Committee. We lost a super active and effective
long-time member in May, when Grayson Balderson passed away. Grayson
had been twice our President and was District Governor and Lt
Governor. During the year, the roads at the Ruritan Park were
regarded and graveled, the new drain field was installed, the three
wooden storage sheds were replaced by one large metal building (to
be shared with the Cold Harbor Club) and picnic tables were
refurbished or replaced.
David Balderson was our President for 2008. The year saw
considerable changes and plans for change to the structures at the
Ruritan Park. Two of the three small sheds (used to house records,
miscellaneous equipment and gear) were replaced by two large,
attractive sheds with interior lighting and fittings to
systematically handle these duties. Two of the three sheds were
giving to area high schools, while the third was retained to store
the old tires used during Steak N Race. Additionally, the Land and
Building committees were directed to explore all facets of
converting our present Ruritan Park main into an enclosed/enclosable
structure with all the accouterments to make it suitable for
all-weather use. The year saw the passing of long-time member Marty
April. The club received three awards at the District Convention and
the Perfect Attendance pins representing 506 years of service, being
given to 45 members. Christmas Tree sales (2007) added $6819 to our
coffers, while the Fall Festival was good for $3819. Our club was
not immune to unfavorable economic climate, seeing a drop in
membership from 120 to 95 during the year.
For 2009, Ralph Cantrell took over as President with membership
at 99 members and annual dues increasing to $125. Ruritan Park, and
the process to upgrade it to a year-round, viable community service
center, occupied much time and effort of the club members. A
building plan was agreed upon with the Cold Harbor Ruritan Club and
site permits obtained. Floor plans which included multiple overhead
garage-type enclosure doors plus kitchen and lavatory facilities
were agreed upon. Building permits were obtained and septic system
installation approved. Year-end saw all details and plans going back
to Hanover County for final approval. Other activities included
participation in the Christmas Mother involving 281 families,
collection of 105lbs of food for the Food Bank and naming of Ray
Stanley as Ruritan of the Year. Our Steak N Race yielded a $7500
profit and Christmas Trees added $6000.
Harrison Moncure was President for 2010. During the year, a call
tree was setup to quickly notify members of significant events. The
annual picnic was moved from August to May to take advantage of more
agreeable weather. As the original agreement to use the hall
expired, our club agreed to pay $950 per year for use of the
Fellowship Hall for our meetings. Steak N Race raised over $8300 and
Christmas Trees added $6000. Planning for Ruritan Park enhancements
took up a great deal of member time and efforts. Hanover County
denied our submission for a CUP amendment. The plans were revised to
add space, kitchen quality, meeting rooms, site preparation, parking
spaces, etc. A new CUP amendment was submitted and approved in
November.
For 2011, the club was led by President Paul Hirsh. The club
celebrated its 75th Anniversary and was pleased to have the National
President, District Governor and Lt Governor in attendance. Worked
continued on planning for improvements to the Ruritan Park pavilion
and bids were out to various contractors. Dues increased to $135. A
rousing Veterans day program was given. Members described their
service and Jimmy Winters read “A Just a Common Soldier….A Solder
Died Today”. 2012 marked shift in Christmas Trees. The committee
moved to “Virginia Grown” from Floyd County, VA. The club created a
“Strategic Planning Committee” to look at all the activities of the
club and make recommendations on improvements.
For 2012, the club was led by President Taylor Ware. Planning
continued for improvements at the Ruritan Park with quotes in the
$300,000 to $500,000 range. The Building Committee recommended
tabling the improvements due to the costs. The Strategic Planning
committee recommended that our club center its activities around
three major areas: ServiceFIRST, FamilyFIRST, HanoverFIRST.
Objective Committee Chairs were asked to focus their objectives
around these items with a “hands on” focus. Ray Heat hand Marcia
Kirby took on a personal project to improve the memorial garden
around the flag pole at the park that was suffering from several
years of neglect. Profits from Christmas Tree sales was $7150.
For 2013, the club was led by President Ralph Cantrell, leading
for a second term. Based on recommendations from the Strategic
Planning Committee and focusing on putting HanoverFIRST, the club
held its first annual HanoverFIRST festival at Battlefield
Elementary School. The event drew a good crowd and vendors and the
decision was made to attempt it a second year. The club also agreed
to conduct it first annual Bluegrass Festival. Due to the efforts of
Gordon Johnson, the club was given a formal “right of way” into our
property (across the existing driveway). The club hosted the
Chesapeake District Picnic at the Ruritan Park. The Club Donated
$1000 to the Chesapeake District to help offset District legal
expenses. The club agreed to partner with Lee Davis FFA to complete
a site beautification project.
For 2014, the club was led by President Carol Ware our first
female President. The club started the year with an entertaining
evening at “Jersey Boys”. The club held both the HanoverFIRST (which
included live music) and the Bluegrass Festival. A decision was made
later to discontinue the HanoverFIRST festival due to lack of
community/vendor engagement. Christmas Trees profit to the club was
$10,000. We had a person portray Patrick Henry join us at a meeting
and talk about Parson’s Cause as well as a Bluegrass Band played at
the Christmas Party.
For 2015, the club was led by President Harrison Moncure, for a
second term. With the darkness of the Ruritan Park break-in came the
light of several needed upgrades. The Cold Harbor and Hanover Clubs
worked together to replace broken equipment, the electrical circuits
were upgraded, Marcia Kirby and Ray Heath continued to establish a
beautiful landscape around the flag pole, Greg Koegler donated two
refrigerators to the kitchen, a new bandstand was built, and we now
have a permanent park entrance sign. Fun was had watching the Flying
Squirrels play baseball in May during a club outing. The club teamed
up with the Lee-Davis FFA and Mechanicsville Ruritan Club to
landscape the Welcome to Mechanicsville Sign and the embankment
adjacent to the EVB “Windmill” Bank. Young Ruritan Membership was
established at a more affordable rate to entice young people to
serve. A giant check was purchased by the club to showcase during
big donations to the community. It was first used to donate $3,000
to the named beneficiary, East Hanover Rescue Squad, from the
Bluegrass Festival. Even though Hurricane Joaquin cancelled this
year’s Bluegrass Festival we still raised $3,600 from donations and
sponsors. The Ag Day Program for 3rd Grade Students in Hanover moved
to the Meadow Event Park to utilize a more “weather proof” venue.
The club continued to support the Hanover Christmas Mother and
helped distribute items to recipients. The club raised a record
breaking $12,044 from the Christmas Tree Lot.
For 2016, David Balderson returned as President for a second
term. To date the club had inducted three new members, and will be
inducting three more soon. We honored members with perfect
attendance, and had several informative programs, from “Why I Love
America” speeches by area 5th graders to Information Technology
Security. The club conducted a roadside clean-up, a park clean-up,
planted a tree for Arbor Day at the Black Creek Fire Department, and
completed final landscape installation for the Windmill Bank
Landscape project with Lee-Davis FFA members.
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