The installation of the Knox Ruritan Club 2025 officers was made by Ohio District Governor Charlie Pierce. From left, front row, incoming president Beckie Dean, outgoing president Jim Ramsey; back row, Pierce; Zane Ziegler, vice-president; Mel Albrecht, secretary; Dennis Cameron, treasurer; Roy Johnson, third year director; Ron Bandy, first year director. Absent was Ted Benner, second year director. (Submitted photo)

NORTH GEORGETOWN — Twenty-eight members, spouses and guests attended the annual Christmas meeting and dinner of the Knox Ruritan Club on Dec. 11. Terry Blickensderfer was the only charter member in attendance.

Attendees gathered at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in North Georgetown and celebrated the 51st year of the club.

During the short business meeting, $175 checks were presented to Homeworth Fire Department Assistant Chief Jim Stryffeler and North Georgetown Fire Chief Ed Reichenbach. A meal was served in the fellowship hall of the church by Kathy Reichenbach.

Guests included Ohio District Governor Charlie and Jamie Pierce, Randy and Nancy Branch, Cub Scouts Troop 102, Larry Beck, Pedal Tractor Pull Helper and future member, Rick Eberth.

The Installation of the 2025 officers was made by Charlie Pierce. Officers include Beckie Dean, president; Zane Ziegler, vice-president; Mel Albrecht, secretary; Dennis Cameron, treasurer; Roy Johnson, third year director; Ted Benner, second year director; Ron Bandy, first year director andi Jim Ramsey, past- president.

Albrecht announced the perfect attendance awards through June 2024 as follows: Beckie Dean, one year; Ron Bandy, three years; Roy Johnson, six years; Jim Ramsey, seven years; Bill Blair; eight years; Zane Ziegler, 12 years; Dexter Sams15 years; Ted Benner, 16 years; Dennis Cameron, 21 years; Loren Shaver, 22 years; Albrecht, 31 years; and Blickensderfer, 51 years.

Entertainment was a Christmas cantata presentation by the Bethel Church United Church of Christ Music Ministry in the church sanctuary. After the presentation, everyone was invited to dessertof pie and ice cream. The club thanked Bethel Church Ministry with a check of $150 for their presentation.

Knox Ruritan Club is a non-profit service club that conducts fundraisers such as the pedal tractor pull and dunk tank at area events, owns a sports complex consisting of three ballfields and two soccer fields on Buck Road, sales of homemade spaghetti sauce, chocolate candy and birdhouses. Money raised is used to help fund the food pantry at Bethel Church, Christmas gifts for needy families and scholarships for area graduating high school seniors who will attend college or trade schools.