Ruritans hear about ladies at national cemetery in Rittman
The Northwestern Ruritan Club met June 9 for the monthly dinner/meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Northwestern High School. Vice President Kim Wellert called the meeting to order, welcoming members, Zone 9 Gov. Linda Wuthrich, and guests/speakers Kat Johnson and Todd Cornelius. The group joined in singing “America,” and the invocation was given by Jim Johnson prior to the dinner served by school chefs.
New members Joe Rice and Justin Becker were installed in the club. Wuthrich made a few remarks, encouraging members to be involved in Zone 9, Ohio District and Ruritan National activities.
Johnson gave a PowerPoint presentation on Ohio Western Reserve ladies who ensure no veteran is buried alone by providing presence, respect and honor to the fallen in the national cemetery near Rittman. The group was formed in 2022, and members may be veterans or family, friends or loved ones of any military service member.
The group was modeled after the “Arlington Ladies” of Arlington National Cemetery. Their projects include Memorial Day flag inventory, Wreaths Across America annual fundraising, annual laying of wreaths at the national cemetery and outlying cemeteries, annual wreath cleanup, attending graveside services at the national cemetery, and community outreach and education.
Cornelius, a driver for Becker Farms Trucking near Wooster, hauls the wreaths in a huge semi from the state of Maine, where they are processed from 23,000 pine trees. They are then delivered to 4,300 cemeteries over the country. Donations are $17 per wreath through a sponsor. The Rittman Cemetery now has 56,000 military veteran burials.
Treasurer Chuck Beck’s report was approved subject to audit. A thank-you note was received from McKensie McCoy for her scholarship.
Beck said the Husky Brigade packages went out to four soldiers from the community. He appreciated the goodies for the packages brought in by members. Members were reminded the Parade of Flags are to be left out until after July 4. Beck also reminded members the roadside pickup of trash on state Route 301 between Pleasant Home and Lattasburg will be the next day, meeting at 9 a.m. at Northwestern Middle School.
Dick Wiley said the West Salem Bicycle Race will be July 12. He would appreciate help with traffic control and passed around a sign-up sheet. He expects 1,500 riders who will have two routes — one 14 miles and one 25 miles.
A motion was passed that the club purchase new Ruritan signs to be placed in front of the Northwestern schools. A motion also passed that the club donate a $500 scholarship to assist Max Mendez. John Ertl informed members that the Sept. 2 meeting will be at the Greg Long Military Museum in Wooster. The meal will be served in the museum.
The meeting was adjourned with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The next dinner/meeting will be July 14 at 6:30 p.m. at The Barn Restaurant below Smithville with spouses invited. The director’s meeting will be at 6 p.m. in the restaurant.