[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 148 (Thursday, September 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1406]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE DAYTON RURITAN CLUB'S 75 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2016

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, fellowship, good will, and community 
service. These are the characteristics that Ruritan National clubs 
across the nation strive to achieve, and the principles that the Dayton 
Ruritan Club has embodied for the past 75 years.
  Chartered on September 30, 1941, the Dayton Ruritan Club is 
celebrating 75 years of service to the Dayton, Virginia, community. In 
rural areas across the country, neighbors look out for one another and 
help each other in good times and bad. Those principles are why the 
Dayton club came about--to help provide a hand up for friends and 
neighbors in need. A group of citizens saw a need in the community and 
worked to raise money and provide volunteer labor to help address those 
needs. Now, 75 years later, these men and women play an ever important 
role, having contributed over $700,000 and 180,000 volunteer hours to 
their community.
  In Dayton, Ruritan National Club Number 126 carries on this rich 
tradition of serving others and keeping it local. Every penny they 
raise through numerous fundraising events each year, including a 
bluegrass concert, pancake breakfast, and sandwich sales, goes towards 
projects to improve the place where they live. Whether it is providing 
dictionaries to every fifth grade student in Rockingham County or 
donating teddy bears for first responders to give to children, the 
projects have made a lasting impact on the community. Members are also 
actively working to mold the next generation of leaders by forming a 
Ruri-Teen Chapter at Turner Ashby High School and Wilbur Pence Middle 
School.
  While much has changed around them over the years, the Dayton Ruritan 
Club remains committed to the community they call home. Seventy-five 
years of service is a remarkable achievement, and I applaud the members 
of the Dayton Ruritan Club for their devotion to service. On October 
13, members and friends will come together to celebrate their 
accomplishments and this milestone at the 75th Anniversary Banquet. I 
wish them many more years of success as they serve the Town of Dayton.

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