Ruritans make communities better

By Anita L. Sherman, Community Editor

The atmosphere was festive and the greetings friendly and warm as members, past members, special guests and friends gathered for cocktails and dinner at The Inn at Vint Hill on Thursday, Oct. 11. They were there to celebrate the 80th birthday of the Catlett, Casanova, Calverton Ruritans, a service group organized in Fauquier County in 1938. Ruritan Clubs, the first chartered in Holland, Virginia, have served America’s communities with fellowship, goodwill and community service since 1928.

Morgan Applegate was there with his mother, Jane, a member for 12 years. Morgan, who has worked at Liberty Mutual for more than 10 years, honors his father’s legacy by contributing a $1,500 scholarship to the Ruritans each year, a generous gift that Nick Applegate was known for doing when Morgan attended Liberty High School.

Ruritan National President Guy Cox is welcomed by CCC Ruritan President Diana Dutton at the group’s 80th anniversary celebration held Oct. 11 at the Inn at Vint Hill.

TIMES STAFF PHOTO/ANITA SHERMAN

One of the club’s oldest members, Martin Dove, has been with the club for 52 years. His work spans years with the volunteer fire and rescue department, not only working, but training others. A scoutmaster for 30 years, Dove’s reach extends into numerous charitable organizations.

Known in sports circles for his longstanding soccer camps, Chip Rohr hails from Manassas. He spoke at the gathering about his early memories of the club. “At the time, Catholic Calverton and Catlett were vying for a new school…the communities were divided over the outcome…Catlett was the final choice,” said Rohr recalling that the formation of the early club was an attempt to bring the two communities together, forming, in the beginning, the Calverton-Catlett Ruritan Club. Rohr couldn’t remember exactly when Casanova was added but it seemed perfectly logical that they should be included. A member for nearly 30 years, Rohr has vivid recollection of his impression when asked by friends to attend a meeting in Fauquier. “The men were all wearing suits and ties,” recalls Rohr, “these are the kind of fine people that I want to be involved with.” Friendship and fellowship kept Rohr crossing county lines to anchor himself as a CCC Ruritan member. “These are fine people doing fine things,” emphasized Rohr.

James Fichthorn has been a member for six years. His son, Peter, another Liberty High School graduate, and now father of three sons, a member for seven. James, who served as the evening’s cameraman, enjoys the comradeship. He also respects the fact that projects are locally based. “Like the Christmas baskets…that helps people right in our community,” said Fichthorn. Each year the CCC Ruritans put together more than 50 Christmas baskets for Fauquier families plus provide scholarships.

While Ruritan National has nearly 25,000 members throughout the United States, their direct work improves lives in more than 900 local communities. Ruritan rarely has national programs. Each club looks to its own community, their needs and then works to address those needs. Most clubs work closely with FFA, 4-H and other organizations serving youth. Many clubs sponsor a Boy or Girl Scout unit.

Glen Miselle, a member for 26 years, remembers in the early 90s storing wood in Wilbur Burton’s barn that would be distributed to needy homes.

Ruritan National Director Dennis Bagnell commended the club for their 80 years of service. A former Fauquier County Board of Supervisor, Jay van Gelder serves as a Zone Governor. He was there representing the Bealeton-Remington Ruritan Club.

Ruritan officers for the 2018-2019 were recognized: Roy Bergeron, president; Martin Dove, vice-president; Amanda Woodward, secretary; James Fichthorn, treasurer; Glen Miselle, director; Joseph Migliaccio, director; Joseph Wilburn, director; and Diana Dutton, past president.

Another former supervisor, Ray Graham summed up the room’s sentiment. “Why are you a Ruritan,” he asked, “it’s the people.” “We had just moved to Fauquier County and I stopped for some barbecue, got to talking and found out they were Ruritans…that’s how I got started.” “You come for friendship and you come for community…it’s a fantastic organization.”

The CCC Ruritans meet the second Thursday of each month (except December – first Thursday) at either Trinity United Methodist Church or the Casanova Parish Hall. They always welcome new members. Contact Diana Dutton at 540-422-8293.