When it comes to Sterling Ruritan Club meetings, one can be certain Ashburn resident George Smith will be there.
The 77-year-old charter member, better known as “Buck,” has been going to the club’s meetings for 51 years since the club chartered in November 1951 with 27 members.
“I hadn’t had any reason to miss it. It’s one fine organization,” said Smith, the only charter member of a club that now sports 30 members. “There’s nothing like it. The fellows in it, most of them are good fellows.”
The Ruritans bought the club’s building in 1954 to hold meetings, the same one where they still meet on Ruritan Road, in Sterling. Six years later, the Ruritans added an auditorium and dining hall area to use for meetings and club activities, for other clubs to use and for rentals as a club fund-raiser. The building used to be a beer hall that closed shortly before the Ruritans took over. Now, one can safely call it a Bingo hall, at least on Thursdays.
The Sterling Ruritans hold Thursday Night Bingo as its main fund-raiser. The group takes in an average of $2,000 a week and banked $70,000 last year. The Sept. 11 terrorist attack slowed business with some nights ringing in a loss for the club, since the club awards the same prizes each time. The turnout Feb. 7 was the highest since the attack with 96 people attending. The average turnout before the attack was 90 people.
Ruritan members took over the Bingo event 12 years ago from the Sterling Fire Company, which operated it at the Ruritan Clubhouse until then.
“Our goal is that all the money that comes in should go back out,” said club member Bob Farris, of Sterling.
THE CLUB RAISED $132,000 last year from Bingo, building rentals and food sales at community events. After paying rent, the club could give away $80,000 to Loudoun organizations and residents.
The club focuses on community service, fellowship and good will, Farris said in reference to the club’s slogan. “These old men make a lot of money, and we give it all away,” he said.
Every year, the club provides scholarships and gave away $5,000 last year to students at Park View and Potomac Falls high schools. In June, the club awards students of the year for each Sterling school, giving the students savings bonds and certificates for community service and for academic achievement. The club chartered and supports Boy Scout Troop 966, helps fund the Kids Are First program, which provides school supplies for children, and gives away holiday baskets.
The club’s Social Development Committee identifies Sterling residents and organizations that have a need and recommends donation ideas to the club’s board of directors.
“Most of us joined to give service and to help the community. Plus, we found a whole bunch of friends here,” said Sterling resident Lee Dulin, director and a member for 26 years.
“They’re a bunch of friendly people,” said Hugh Bruckschen, also a director from Sterling. “When I first met Lee, I didn’t like him. He’s one of those guys that grow on you.”
“My feelings are hurt,” Dulin teased back.
Club member Sue Smith said she is as big a fool as her husband, George Smith, who like her is 77 years old, though she is one day older. She has been cooking for the club for 50 years and was asked to join four to five years ago and still helps cook through the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
“I like all these fellows, too, although some of them tease me too much,” she said.
CLUB MEMBERS are spirited and friendly at the monthly club meetings, at least during the half-hour dinner.
“During the dinner part of it there is 'BS.' During the main part of it, it’s business. It’s a business meeting,” Farris said.
The business meeting lasts another half-hour, often followed by a guest speaker who is allotted a half-hour for a presentation. The meetings usually last one-and-a-half hours.
“I needed something to do to keep out of trouble,” said Sterling resident Tom Hummer, a member who joined the club in 1954 when he was 18 years old. “I enjoyed the fellowship and the things the club does for the county. It keeps me occupied.”
Hummer’s brother, Bill Hummer, joined about 30 years ago and has been a faithful member except when he had a night job. “I joined because it was the only organization that did something for Sterling. … We’re still doing what we were doing. If we change, I’ll probably go somewhere else,” he said.
Farris described the club as caring and concerned, but also lighthearted and fun. “It’s a good mix,” he said.
IN OTHER CLUB NEWS:
* The Sterling Ruritan Club won third place in Special Community Service – Social Development Award for the Rappahannock District of Ruritan National. The award was presented Jan. 25 in Lexington, Ken.
* The club celebrated its 50th anniversary Nov. 10, 2001 with the Anniversary Gala Dinner Dance, attended by 160 people, including Loudoun dignitaries.
The first Ruritan club was founded in Holland, Va. in 1928. Ruritan clubs operated in more than 1,200 communities nationwide.