MAXWELTON W.Va. (WVDN) – Saturday, Oct. 21, was a special day for the Maxwelton Ruritan Club. It was on this day in 1953 that the club was chartered from the Frankford club with 28 members and began serving the Maxwelton area. Members celebrated the occasion at the Henning Church of God Fellowship Hall with refreshments, special guests, laughter and a few tears.
In attendance from Ruritan National were President-Elect Robin Davenport and Guy Cox, Ruritan National Foundation Vice President and his wife Linda, and Past National President Jerome Rodes and his wife Marsha. Also attending was Lower WV District Governor Patty Hamilton, Lt. District Governor Blaine Cecil and his wife Debbie; District Treasurer Shirley Mutter and members and guests of the Maxwelton club.
District Governor Patty Hamilton presented a Certificate of Recognition from Governor Jim Justice which reads, “The Maxwelton Ruritan Club has been awarded this certificate of recognition for 70 years of hard work and dedication to the citizens of Maxwelton and the Great State of West Virginia.” Davenport presented the club with a certificate from Ruritan National recognizing the 70th Anniversary.
Maxwelton President Larry Bowman spoke about the activities that the club has been known for in the community such as our Adopt A Highway program, scholarships, and purchasing fire hydrants for the area. Lee Godbey gave a brief history of the club and Tom Vance told how the Gold Scoop Award got its name. Gary Cochran explained how members purchased a trailer to set up at the State Fair of West Virginia and began selling ice cream in the late 1970s. The club continues this fundraiser each August during the fair which provides the funds for all the projects, scholarships and donations. In 70 years, the club has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships and has seen students return as doctors, nurses, teachers and pharmacists.
The club has had numerous Zone Governors, four Lower West Virginia District Governors, one National Director and one National Ruritan of the Year.
The highlight of the day was the cutting of the cake by the members who have served the longest: Gary Cochran (1979) Lee Godbey (1989) Tom Vance (1993) Larry Bowman (1995) and Debbie Bowman (1998).
If you would like to learn more about Ruritan or the Maxwelton Club, please email ldbowman84@hotmail.com, follow the club on Facebook or text 304-646-4453. They are always looking for new members to continue the tradition of making the community a better place to live, work and raise a family.
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