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New Member at the ARC May member meeting

    Abingdon Ruritan Club welcomed new member Jim Bradbury to membership at the May 11th Membership Meeting. Jim is shown with Club President Antonio Donald on the left and Club Vice President David Bowles on the right.

    Guest Speaker on Oysters

      The guest speaker for the Abingdon Ruritan Club May Membership Meeting was Jim Dall, Secretary of the Tidewater Oyster Gardners Association.  He spoke on the process of taking spats to full oysters.  The Club members were very interested and asked… 

      Ruritan National 98th Anniversary

        The 98th Anniversary of Ruritan was observed Saturday, May 16th, at Holland, Virginia.  It was held at the Monument across from the site where the Holland Club was chartered.  Shown in the picture are front row Danny Privott. 2017 Past… 

        Ruritan Sunday

          Thirteen Abingdon Ruritan Club members celebrated Ruritan Sunday on May 17th at First Morning Star Baptist Church in Bena, Virginia.  The Church pastor and Church members welcomed our Club Members to a wonderful service of music, pastoral message, prayer, and… 

          Donation to American Legion Boy/Girl state Law Cadet Program

            Abingdon Ruritan Club Donation.  The Club donates to American Legion Post 75 each year to sponsor one high school student to Boys State, Girls State, and Law Cadet Program.  Ann Dugas, Ruritan Club Treasurer presented the Donation to Leah Dugsan,… 

            Gloucester County Resource Guest Speaker

              Reggie Rossignol, Chair of the Gloucester County Resource Council, was Guest Speaker at the April Abingdon Ruritan Club Membership Meeting.  She gave informative information on how the Club supports  numerous organizations in the area.  She is shown here with President… 

              Hunters for the Hungry Award

                Hunters for the Hungry has recognized Abingdon Ruritan Club as one of their top supporters.  Shown here is Chesapeake Zone 4 Governor Don Sandridge presenting their Certificate of Appreciation to Club President Antonio Donald.  Not shown is Club Vice President… 

                Top Nonprofit of 2025

                  Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce has named the Abingdon Ruritan Club their 2025 Business Award Top Non Profit of the Year.  Shown presenting the award to Club President Antonio Donald are Club Member and Chamber Board Member Marsha Weatherwax and… 

                  Food Donation

                    Each month Abingdon Ruritan Club members bring food and other items to the month’s Membership Meeting. This effort is managed by The Social Development Committee chaired by Lynn Onesty, Chair.  The April items were delivered to the Salvation Army located… 

                    Daffodil Festival Team Work

                      Abingdon Ruritan Club and Author Dave Bowles (who is also Vice President of the Club) shared a booth at the Gloucester Daffodil Festival. Club Members over the last month built a number of blue bird houses.  Interestingly enough, Dave Bowles… 

                      Sheriff’s Office Appreciation

                        The Abingdon Ruritan Club Public Service Committee stuffed 100 goody bags to take to the Gloucester Sheriff’s Office to be distributed to the men and women who protect us every day.  Shown is the picture of the Committee members who… 

                        ARC Food Donation

                          Abingdon Ruritan Club donates food, toiletries, and sometimes pet food to area Food Banks and Churches.  The Club, through the Social Development Committee chaired by Lynn Onesty, collected over 75 pounds and a monetary donation at the March Membership Meeting. … 

                          Gloucester Emergency Management Guest Speaker

                            The Guest Speaker at the Abingdon Ruritan Club March Membership Meeting was Jane Wenner, Gloucester Emergency Management Coordinator.  She is community focused and considers it a privilege to work for Gloucester County and the citizens of the County.  She explained… 

                            January speaker2026

                            Girls and Boys Club Guest Speaker at January 2026 Meeting

                              Hal Smith, President & CEO of the Virginia Peninsula Boys & Girls Club, was guest speaker at the January 12th Membership Meeting, Abingdon Ruritan Club.  Shown in photo, left to right are Program Chair Mary Lou Privott, President Antonio Donald,… 

                              New Members

                              New member at the ARC January Member Meeting

                                Abingdon Ruritan Club gained a new member at the January 12th Membership Meeting.  Michele Beck was sworn in by President Antonio Donald.  Shown in the photo from left are Vice President David Bowles, Michele, President Antonio, and Michele’s sponsor Cathy… 

                                A J new member

                                New member at the ARC December Member Meeting

                                  2025 Abingdon Ruritan Club President Dean Marzocca initiated new member Addison “A J” Brown into Club membership at the December Membership Meeting & Christmas Banquet.   A J is shown here with his sponsor Frank Gillerlain and Marzocca. 

                                  Rose Marie volunteer of the year

                                  Abingdon Ruritan Club Volunteer of the Year Award

                                    Rose Marie Smith, President of the Guinea Heritage Association, was awarded the Abingdon Ruritan Club Volunteer of the Year Award.  She has faithfully volunteered to work in the Clams on the Half Shell Booth at Spring and Fall Seafood Festivals… 

                                    K9 program

                                    K9 Program at ARC

                                      At the Abingdon Ruritan Club November Membership Meeting, all were treated to a fantastic program.  Lycan, the K9, was accompanied by Lt Kevin Shifflet, Supervisor for K9 Handlers and Deputy Dani Woodward – all from the Gloucester Sheriff Department.  The… 

                                      Dolly Parton guest speaker

                                      Guest Speaker From Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

                                        Kyle DeGood spoke at the September Abingdon Ruritan Club Membership Meeting.  Kyle is Founder and current Executive Director of the DeGood Foundation and the home of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of the Virginia Peninsula.  The Abingdon Club supports this foundation… 

                                        Kelly new member1

                                        New Member to Join the ARC

                                          At the September Meeting of the Abingdon Ruritan Club, President Dean initiated new member Kelly Richards shown here with the President and Kelly’s sponsor Sandra Hogge.

                                          Gloucester Fire and rescue donation

                                          Supporting our First Responders

                                            Abingdon Ruritan Club (ARC) recognizes this each year with a monetary donation to the Abingdon Fire & Rescue and to the Gloucester Fire & Rescue.  The first photograph shows Mary Lou Privott, ARC Past President, presenting a donation check for…