text: Zone 5 - Winner of 8 Gold 2011 Community Service Awards. Reported Donations - Over $22,000 back into their community.
  Did this with only 3 Clubs!
  Rileyville Club won the 2011 Second Place Mensel Dean Award - Most Members Added, and Second Place Mensel Dean Award for Highest Net % of Growth.
  Zone 5 Clubs
  Luray
  Newport - Grove Hill
  Rileyville
  Zone 5 Club Presidents Directory
  ROCKINGHAM DISTRICT
  Zone 5 Ruritan Convention
  Minutes for October 6th, 2011
  Luray United Methodist Church
  Luray, Virginia
  Convention Attendance-total: 53
  Luray Ruritan Club: 21
  Newport-Grove Hill Ruritan Club: 7
  Rileyville Ruritan Club: 20
  Rockingham District Guests: 5
  The Zone 5 Convention was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Zone Governor Reggie Snodgrass. Song leader, Margaret Eberly led the opening song America; Lt. Zone Governor, Irma Housden, introduced guests, which included National Director Roger Gammons and his wife from North Carolina; District Governor Rick Keyton, District Lt. Governor, John Case and Zone 4 Governor Susan Greisz. Irma extended a hardy welcome to all guests in attendance and especially those from the National and District levels. After introductions, Matt Hammer was called upon to give the invocation and to give thanks for the meal.
  A memorial service was next on the program. Walton Gordon presented the Candle Lighting Memoriam in memoriam of all deceased members of Ruritan Zone 5. During the candle lighting ceremony Nancy Brubaker, Patty Abel and David Naser sang Amazing Grace.
  Annual club reports were given by Newport-Grove Hill, President Ellen Bauserman, Rileyville, President Reggie Snodgrass and Luray, President Steve Cave. Zone 5 has only three clubs and each of the clubs worked extremely hard this past year to accomplish all of their goals and objectives. There was a gain in membership within the zone, however there were some losses due to members relocating to other areas due to employment issues or job promotion transfers. The economy has “hindred” the clubs in Zone 5 with gaining new members, but hopefully we shall be able to turn this around in the upcoming year.
  Zone Reports were given by Reggie Snodgrass, Zone Governor; Irma Housden, Lt. Zone Governor and William Amonette, Sec-Treas. Bill remarked he had roughly estimated the raffle proceeds will significantly reduce the cost of the convention meals, however, they are not likely to cover the entire amount which will be picked up by the three clubs paying the overage.
  Nominations for next year are at hand with Zone Governor Reggie opening the floor for zone officer nominations. Officers nominated and elected by acclamation for 2012 were: Zone Governor, Irma Housden (Luray Club); Zone Lt. Governor, William Amonette (Luray Club); and Zone Secretary-Treasurer, Brenda Atkins (Rileyville Club). National Director Roger Gammons and District Governor Rick Keyton installed the officers outlining their duties and responsibilities in each position. They wished them well in the upcoming year.
  Convention attendees moved to the church sanctuary and enjoyed musical entertainment presented by the Luray United Methodist Church Choir Band.
  National Director Candidate, Walton Gordon, presented a campaign speech outlining his perspective goals and objectives if elected. It was also noted that the Rockingham District is supporting Walton for the position of National Director.
  District Governor Rick Keyton presented his district report. He complimented each of the three clubs for their labors in the community and community service reports with all the work they do in the local communities. He emphasized this is the true way to get the “RURITAN” name into the communities. When people see the name “RURITAN” they want to know what it is all about and that is the way you can recruit new members. He encouraged each club to sponsor a membership drive in the community to recruit new members.
  Governor Rick encouraged everyone to attend the National Convention to be held in January 2012, location is Raleigh, NC. If you have never attended, plan now, it’s exciting and a true learning experience in the life of Ruritan. Should you be at the National Convention stop by the Rockingham District hospitality table.
  National Director, Roger Gammons gave a presentation and expressed his thanks for each of the clubs great hospitality when he visited. They are true laborers in the name of one great organization “RURITAN”. At the conclusion of his remarks he pinned a Ruritan pin on the youngest person present, Sophia Wasson, age three weeks. In his presentation he was emphasizing that Ruritan can begin with the very young and advance through the elderly or very old and this is a prime example of what could happen with this infant. He remarked he has pinned many young children with the Ruritan pin, but this one is the youngest.
  The three club presidents administered the drawing for door prizes and cash drawings. There was a large array of prizes to be had along with cash drawings from the combined three club raffled tickets which were sold.
  Zone Governor, Reggie Snodgrass thanked everyone for their support and attendance during his year as Zone Governor. At that time he adjourned the convention with the Pledge of Allegiance.
  The Newport-Grove Hill Ruritan Club will sponsor next year’s Zone 5 Convention on October 15th, 2012 at the Newport Church of the Brethren social hall.