The purpose of this committee is to monitor the service provided by governmental, corporate, and volunteer agencies and assist them when possible.
PUBLIC SERVICE
This committee must be aware of all public services
available in the community, be concerned with their efficient
operation and justified expansion, and work toward the establishment of additional services.
Alzheimer’s Support
Raven Cash, Chairman of the Abingdon Ruritan Club Public Service Committee is shown presenting a $1000 check to support ending Alzheimer’s to Barbara Monteith, Director of the Gloucester Chapter of Alzheimer’s. The presentation was made at the End Alzheimer’s Walk held Saturday, October 4, 2025. Abingdon Ruritan Club members who volunteered their time on October 4th at the October 4th Walk to end Alzheimer’s are shown below.
Left, Barbara Monteith. Right, Raven cash.
Front row: John Snyder, Ann Dugas, Betsy Tuttle, Danny Privott, Julianna Woolley, and Mary Lou Privott. Back row: Joe Whitcomb, Dianne Woolley, Don Sciria, Raven Cash (leader), Carlos Britos, and Sid Dugas. (not pictured is Lynn Onesty).
Abingdon Ruritan Club Supports Guinea Heritage Association
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, the Abingdon Ruritan Club supported the Guinea Heritage Association with their “Wonders in the Water” event held at Buck’s Store Museum in Bena. The Club helped with lunch by providing pizzas, chips and cold bottled water. Raven Cash, chair of the Public Services Committee, organized, planned and coordinated the Club’s participation.
Children’s Free Day Fishing Experience
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources sponsored a children’s free day fishing experience June 7, 2025. The DWR furnished all fishing poles and bait for all children to fish. The Abingdon Ruritan Club provided lunch for all the children, their families, volunteers, rangers and employees. Hot dogs with all the fixing, cookies, chips and water were served for lunch. After lunch the children were given fishing poles to take home for their very own.
GLOUCESTER COUNTY KIDS CRAFT MARKET
The Kids Craft Market on the Green let artsy youth entrepreneurs sell their hand made creations May 18. The ARC supported to creative workers by providing water for the kids and the community.
WORKING IN THE SCHOOLS
The Abingdon Ruritan Club’s Public Service Committee, led by Raven Cash, visited Achilles Elementary School on Friday April 25th. The Committee presented Scholastic books to each 3rd-grade student and helped them personalize their books with their name. The Ruritan Club also interacted with the students, prompting them to use their new books for reading comprehension. Member included Raven Cash, Betsy Tuttle, Dianne Woolley, Julianna Woolley, Ann and Sid Dugas, John Snyder and Don Sciria.
The Abingdon Ruritan Club is proud to participate with school children of Gloucester, enhancing their learning experience which in turn makes this County a better place to live.
GLOUCESTER COUNTY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION 3K AND 8K RUN/WALK
ABINGDON RURITAN CLUB VOLUNTEERS
Our group of volunteers provided water to the runners/ walkers and cleaned up discarded cups and trash during the 3K /8K run. From left Public Service Chair Raven Cash, Betsy Tuttle , Ann Yoder, Jesse Johnson and Andrea Johnson.
HAPPY VALENTINE DAY TO THE GLOUCESTER SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Public Service Committee chaired by Raven Cash, was joined by other Abingdon Ruritan members to show appreciation to the Gloucester County Sheriff’s office for Valentine Day. Pictured left to right Jesse Johnson, Andrea Johnson, Betsy Tuttle, Officer Ryan Cookson, Raven Cash, Dianne Woolley, and Julianna Woolley.
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Rudy Bear
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Ruritan clubs have been donating stuffed “Rudy Bears” to first responders for over 30 years, to help them comfort traumatized children. These cuddly teddy bears are used as a tremendous comfort aide for small children that may be present or involved in an accident or emergency situation. The Public Service Committee donates Rudy Bears to our Gloucester Rescue and Fire Departments regularly.
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