WINONA – The Winona Ruritan Club held its annual Steak Fry/Chicken Breast BBQ dinner June 23 at the Salem Saxon Club.

The dinner was one of its Ladies Appreciation nights where members invite their wives or significant other to join in continuing the club’s philanthropic endeavors.

Secretary Elmer Lee Stamp called the meeting to order and asked everyone that was able to stand and join in the singing of “America” and then reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States. While standing member Homer Althouse gave the invocation. The night’s BBQ kings were Thom Ewing, Rob Donaldson, Michael and Zack Knoedler. The caterer prepared the sides consisting of tossed vegetable salad with choice of dressings, cubed red potatoes sauteed in butter/parsley mix, green beans, dinner rolls with butter and for dessert they served ice cream sundaes.

Stamp then called the roll of members who were asked to introduce their guests for the evening. The club had 17 members in attendance and 24 guests for a total of 41.

Members dispensed with the monthly secretary and treasurer reports.

The club recognized members with birthdays in June, which included Bobby King and Anthony Russo, as well as guests Judy Doyle, Caryn Richey, Sara and Ethan McDevitt. Everyone song Happy Birthday to them.

The club also recognized those having their wedding anniversaries in June: Bob and Judy Doyle Sr., 62 years, and Bruce and Ruth Marhefka, 59 years. A round of applause was given to them in honor of their years of married life.

This year marks the club’s 70th year in existence. It is also the country’s 250th year of democracy. To celebrate this milestone the club will be entering a float in the “Salem Grand Parade” on Friday, July 3 starting at noon. The club will be displaying its 6 foot by 6 foot Ruritan signs advertising the club’s 70 years of existence and also its upcoming “All You Can Eat” Pancake & Whole Hog Sausage Breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Winona Friends Church.

The highlight of the dinner meeting was the presentation of the club’s annual Winona Ruritan College Scholarships. The club had three high school graduates of Ruritan family that were given these awards; Grace Elizabeth Lance, granddaughter of Bob and Deb Lance; Will McEver, grandson of Bob and Judy Doyle Sr., were present and each told what their plans are for the near future. Olivia Winn, granddaughter of Phil and Sharon Winn, was unable to attend due to her work schedule. Phil provided her plans.

There was no other business came before the club so Stamp introduced Jen Brown of “A taste of Gracious Living,” who chose three members of the audience to come forward: Dawn Sanor, Piper Richey and Grace Lance, and advised them on how to make an eye catching floral arrangement. Each of the ladies took her creation home. Brown’s business is located at 435 E. State St., Salem.