The Winona Ruritan Club held its annual steak and chicken BBQ dinner meeting June 24 at the Salem Saxon Club. There were 54 family and friends in attendance for the presentation of the club’s annual college scholarships. Thanks to the community’s support of the club’s whole hog sausage sales and the semi-annual all you can eat pancake and sausage breakfasts, the club was able to award a total of $6,000 this year. Shown are the recipients, from left, Maddox Andrea, grandson of Dennis and Carol McArthur; Jace Medure, grandson of Dennis and Carol McArthur; Dally Meek, granddaughter of Larry and Dawn Sanor; Myah Howell, great-granddaughter of Homer Huprich; and Jenna Marhefka, granddaughter of Bruce and Ruth Marhefka. Not pictured is Cali Bohannon, granddaughter of Bob Sr. and Judy Doyle; Cali lives in Tennessee. (Submitted photo)

WINONA — The Winona Ruritan Club held its annual steak and chicken BBQ dinner meeting June 24 at the Salem Saxon Club. In the absence of President Rob Doyle Jr., Secretary Elmer Lee Stamp presided over the meeting.

Stamp welcomed all the guests which included spouses, significant others, friends and family of five of the 2025 college scholarship recipients, with the sixth a resident of Tennessee and unable to attend. He then informed everyone that fellow member Dead Sidwell’s wife had passed away and to keep in their thoughts and prayers.

Stamp then led the singing of “America” and Homer Althouse gave the Invocation. The caterer prepared tossed salad, garlic potatoes, green beans, rolls and ice cream sundeas, while Rob Donaldson and Tom Sanor cooked the steaks and chicken.

Stamp asked each member to introduce their guests for the evening during roll call. There were 18 members present and 36 guests for a total of 54 at the meeting. The club dispensed with the monthly secretary and treasurer’s reports.

All members were reminded the club has whole hog sausage in bulk and smoked link for sale and to call Stamp or Althouse. There is also a few tickets available for the Oct. 28 gun raffle featuring a Springfield Loaded 1911 stainless steel in 45 ACP; only 100 tickets will be sold.

Each month members sing Happy Birthday to any member born that month. Members included Anthony Russo and Bobby King, and guests included Judy Doyle, Caron Richey, Leeann Firestone, Kathy and Dally Meek. In June those celebrating wedding anniversaries included Bob Sr. and Judy Doyle with 61 years, Bruce and Ruth Marhefka with 58 years and Dennis and Carol McArthur with 58 years. This year also marked the 250th birthday of the United States military and the club expressed gratitude to all those who have served.

The highlight of the evening was the presenting of five college scholarships for the year 2025, each one being $1,000. The recipients included Maddox Andrea, grandson of Dennis and Carol McArthur; Jace Medure, grandson of Dennis and Carol McArthur; Dally Meek, granddaughter of Larry and Dawn Sanor; Myah Howell, great-granddaughter of Homer Huprich; and Jenna Marhefka, granddaughter of Bruce and Ruth Marhefka.

Everyone then stood and pledged allegiance to the American flag.

Stamp then introduced Jen Brown, owner of “A Touch of Gracious Living” florist at 435 E. State St., Salem. She demonstrated the fine art of assembling two different floral arrangements and then gave them away.

The club will meet next on July 22.