Like everything else, local clubs and organizations were affected in varying ways by the COVID virus. Some were interrupted briefly in their meetings. Others had a longer time coming back into operation. All are working to get back on ‘their feet’ and look to community members for their support.
Clarion Ruritans
Clarion Ruritans, known for their March stags with a nice amount of money raised and given back to the community, were hit hard by the pandemic. They were just geared up for their 2020 stag when things begin to shut down across the state and nation. Their 2021 event wasn’t held either. Current president Rod Brooks said, “All of the monies raised are given back to the community. Some of the organizations benefitting from our efforts are: Brushy Creek Honor Flight; Clarion Aquatic Center; Clarion Theatre; CGD Prom; Backpacks for Kids; and the Wright County Fair.” The club’s mission is to improve the community and build a better America through Fellowship, Goodwill, and Community Service.
Prior to the virus, Ruritans would meet every month to discuss upcoming fundraising activities and distribute funds. “We usually meet around 6 p.m. the third week of the month, at different locations,” said Brooks. “Our meetings usually last no more than an hour and includes dinner and a presentation from an outside organization or community group.”
Brooks has high hopes for the Clarion Ruritans coming out of the pandemic. “I believe our community recognizes the need for civic organizations such as ours,” he said. “I hope that current and non-members see the need for the Ruritans and support us and/or join our organization. We represent a cross-section of the community and are not restricted based on occupation, social position, nor any other specific criteria. We are always looking for new members with new ideas on how we can better serve our community.
The group’s annual membership drive is set for Wednesday, August 18. Anyone interested in becoming a member is welcome to attend the meeting. “Reach out to a Ruritan for additional information,” said Brooks, “or call me at 515-851-0918.”
Clarion’s Marys & Marthas (M & Ms)
In its twentieth year, Clarion’s Marys & Marthas (M & Ms) took a brief ‘time out’ for the virus before the club resumed its monthly activities. “We were able to resume our meeting together the mid-part of last summer,” said treasurer Gretta Bauman. “We were able to meet for a number of months at the Clarion Church of Christ fellowship hall, observing virus restrictions and social distancing, as set out by the church leadership. We were happy to keep meeting.”
The club meets monthly at various dates, times, and locations. While the club members are numerous, people come as their schedules allow, having a dozen plus attending each meeting. “We are an ecumenical group of gals with the motto of ‘Serving God by Loving Others,’” said Bauman. “Our goal is to bless as many people as possible at each meeting. We send out many cards, congratulating people or letting them know we care if someone is going through a challenging time.”
Cards are sent to people experiencing illnesses; families who have lost a loved one; those needed to be congratulated; or needing help. “Unfortunately, each month we sign cards to law enforcement officers in communities around our nation who have had a member wounded or killed within that month,” said Bauman, “and some of the cards have a gift card tucked in.” Warm Thought blankets (knit or quilts) are given out. Annually, the group, with the support of Holmes Christmas Club, raises money for pool and aquatic center passes which are given to individuals and families.
“We just look for needs and try to fill them,” said Bauman. “We will meet as long as we are needed and doing whatever the Lord leads us to do. We have been so blessed by funds coming to us and for people willing to step forward and help us in so many ways.”
Anyone is welcome to be an “M & M”, simply come to one meeting or ask to be on our email listing. Ask any M & M for more information or contact Bauman or Karen Weld, who chairs the Marys & Marthas.
Clarion Toastmasters
Rhonda Benton, president of Clarion’s Toastmasters, said “We took a short time off before we started having our weekly meetings online.” The meetings were moved to Wednesday evenings to be able to use the needed equipment.
“We normally meet on Friday mornings – 7 a.m. at Pizza Ranch,” said Benton. “We are so fortunate to have a manager come in to make us breakfast.”
Members of Toastmasters belong as they work to improve their communication skills. “Our meetings typically last for one hour,” Benton said. “We have an agenda with one speaker for the day (knowing who they are ahead of time) who speaks for 5 – 7 minutes. Table Topics are centered around a theme with people talking for about two minutes, but no one is required to do that. The goal is to learn how to think on our feet. Speakers are evaluated with immediate feedback. It is always a very friendly evaluation.”
During the pandemic, several members didn’t want to continue with the ‘new’ format. And as many clubs and organizations, the Toastmaster group would like to recruit new members. Benton invites anyone who would be interested to contact her at 515-291-5334. Guests at a weekly meeting are always welcome.
This club and organizations story is the first of two installments. Part 2 will feature Clarion Lions Club, Clarion Rotary, and Clarion’s AAUW.
