Knox Ruritan Club installed officers for the upcoming year. From left, front row, President Jim Ramsey, Treasurer Dennis Cameron, Vice President Beckie Dean, Past President Dexter Sams; back row, Ohio District Gov. Charlie Pierce, directors Ted Benner, Roy Johnson and Ron Bandy; Secretary Mel Albrecht. (Submitted photo)

NORTH GEORGETOWN – Knox Ruritan Club gathered Dec. 12 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in North Georgetown to celebrate Christmas and 50 years as a club.

Outgoing president Dexter Sams called the meeting to order. He welcomed the crowd of 27 members, their spouses and guests. “I hope the club can continue to do a lot of good things,” said Sams. “Merry Christmas and thank you for letting me be your president.”

Secretary Mel Albrecht and Treasurer Dennis Cameron each gave their reports. Albrecht recognized those members with perfect attendance: Ron Bandy, two years; Roy Johnson, five years, Jim Ramsey, six years; Bill Blair, seven years; Zane Zigler, 11 years; Dexter Sams, 14 years; Ted Benner, 15 years; Dennis Cameron, 20 years; and Charter Member Terry Blickensderfer, 50 years.

Special guests were North Georgetown Fire Chief Ed Reichenbach and his wife Kathy and Lt. Troy Kinser, Homeworth Fire Chief Brian Baker, Nancy and Randy Brush, leaders of Boy Scout Troop 102. “We have 32 kids in the pack but some are aging out,” said Randy Brush. Knox Ruritans chartered the troop that meets at the Sebring United Methodist Church.

Knox Ruritans has several fundraisers each year, including the community calendar, pedal tractor pull, dunk tank, along with the making and selling of spaghetti sauce by the Albrecht Family which helps the two fire departments and other organizations. The club donated $175 to both the North Georgetown and Homeworth fire departments.

Ruritan member Roy Johnson talked about his help with the Ainsley’s Angels, a group that participates in wheelchair races which the club contributed to. Johnson also chairs the Ryan Johnson Memorial 5K which is set for May 2, 2025. Each year, the event is held in memory of Ryan Johnson, a West Branch High School athlete who passed away after running a leg of a four-by-800 relay during a West Branch track meet in Beloit in 2008. According to those who knew him, Johnson was a young man of faith and an inspiration to all who knew him. Proceeds from the race fund scholarships for graduating West Branch High School students who are selected annually by a committee. “Volunteer somewhere you’ll affect somebody,” said Roy Johnson.

Following a swiss steak dinner prepared by Kathy Reichenbach, and served by her and other ladies from the church and Ruriteens from United High School, the installation of the 2025 officers was made by Ohio District Gov. Charlie Pierce. Installed were Jim Ramsey, president; Beckie Dean, vice-president; Mel Albrecht, secretary; Dennis Cameron, treasurer; Ron Bandy, third year director; Roy Johnson, second year director; Ted Benner, first year director; and Dexter Sams, past president.

Entertainment was a Christmas cantata presentation by the Bethel Church UCC Music Ministry in the church sanctuary. After the presentation, dessert was served. The club thanked Bethel Church for providing the entertainment and paid $150 for their presentation.