Bridgewater Virginia Ruritan Club

05/11/2026

May is Ruritan Month! The first Ruritan Club was chartered on May 21, 1928, in Holland, Virginia. The Bridgewater Club dates to 1939. In the May meeting of the Bridgewater Ruritan Club, we celebrated the 98th Birthday of the Ruritans organization with door prizes, balloons and cupcakes. We also finalized our 2026 Vidalia onion sale. Thank you to everyone who bought onions, we hope you enjoy them. Highlights of the upcoming Rockingham County Fair (August 10–15, 2026) were reviewed, and exciting acts are coming to the Grandstand. One important change to our Fry Shack Foodbooth is the addition of Churros to our menu. For our program, Cassandra Frysinger, SVEC Energy Program Coordinator, gave an overview of SVECs renewable energy programs, focusing on homeowner solar programs. Some of the interest has diminished since tax credits ended in 2025, but solar can still save energy costs. When deciding about installing solar, one consideration is roof condition. Solar installers won't repair a roof and roofers won't work under solar panels. If a roof is aging, it may need to be replaced before solar installation. Trees may need removing and insurance costs will change. And when comparing installation offers, consider the experience and track record of the installer, not all installers are equal and older companies may be more likely to help with warranty work in the future. Our meal was prepared by Crosslink Community Church. Next month we'll discuss scholarships, with some exciting updates. If you would like to join the Bridgewater Ruritan Club, see any member or email us at [email protected].

05/04/2026

Dewey Arey has been recognized as the 2025 Bridgewater Ruritan Club "Fair Volunteer of the Year". Bob Wheatley presented the award in our April meeting. The Rockingham County Fair is happening August 10–15, 2026, and we'll be there. If you would like to join the Bridgewater Ruritan Club, see any member or email us at [email protected].

04/21/2026

In our April meeting, the Bridgewater Ruritan Club hosted Jackie Hensley, Manager of the Central Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Harrisonburg. ReStore is a thrift store that supports the Habitat for Humanity mission to provide homes to deserving people who could otherwise not afford a home. ReStore relies on volunteers, and donations of time, money, land, and connections with contractors to help build and modify homes. They are participating in the Great Community Give and have a annual Golf Tournament on May 29. The Annual Banquet is September 16th, 2026. If you would like to join the Bridgewater Ruritan Club, see any member or email us at [email protected].

04/15/2026

The Bridgewater Ruritan Vidalia onion sale is underway right now! Fresh onions from Georgia will arrive later this month and should be available by May 3. A 10lb bag is $12. If you would like some onions, see any Ruritan or email Larry Elkins at [email protected].

04/14/2026

In our April meeting, Dennis Rawley was recognized as the 2025 Bridgewater Ruritan Club "Ruritan of the Year". Membership Chairman Megan Meyerhoeffer presented the award. If you see him, please congratulate Dennis for this honor.

04/07/2026

The Bridgewater Ruritan Community Fund was established in 2024 as a 501(c)(3) with all donations going to our scholarship fund. We annually distribute over $7500 in local scholarships, and we are working increase it each year. We participate in the Great Community Give, an initiative of The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, to support local non-profits. The giving window is now open until April 22. If you would like to support your local Ruritan Club, or several other worthy non-profits, please check out this link.

I’m ready to support Bridgewater Ruritan Community Fund on April 22, 2026 during Great Community Give. Learn more about Bridgewater Ruritan Community Fund and all the other organizations participating in Great Community Give.

02/16/2026

In our February meeting, our program was presented by Jodi Haas of Still Meadows Enrichment Center and Camp. Still Meadows was created in 1997 to provide a safe and interactive nature experience for children and adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities. They offer day camps, therapeutic horseback riding, animal care, faith and worship, and a wheelchair accessible tree house. They have horses, donkeys, chickens, and a llama/alpaca cross. Donations are welcomed, and for more information, see https://www.campstillmeadows.org/. If you would like to join the Bridgewater Ruritan Club, see any member or email us at [email protected].

02/12/2026

In our most recent meeting, President Kevin Baker presented Larry Elkins with the "Past President" pin. When you see Larry, congratulate him. Possessing a Past President pin indicates a significant commitment in time. If you would like to join the Bridgewater Ruritan Club, see any member or email us at [email protected].

12/22/2025

This month, the Bridgewater Ruritan Club recognized Members with 5 year service anniversaries. Steve Craun was given a pin for a remarkable 45 years of service. John Harsh was recognized for 35 years, and Doris Harsh and Tracey Wright were recognized for 10 years each. Membership Committee Chairman Megan Meyerhoeffer made the awards. If you would like to join the Bridgewater Ruritan Club, see any member or email us at [email protected].

12/15/2025

Turner Ashby grad and all around good egg Adam Knicely is the newest member of the Bridgewater Ruritan Club. He was installed by Rebecca Wright in our December meeting. If you see Adam, congratulate him. If you would like to join him, see any member or email us at [email protected].

12/08/2025

Joshua Shank is a long time community leader, and the current Chief of the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department. This month the Bridgewater Ruritan Club is pleased to recognize Josh as our 2025 Citizen of the Year. When you see Josh out and about please congratulate him. Ryan Kiracofe presented the award of behalf of our Club.