Effinger Ruritans Install Officers, Present Awards

Fontenot, Miller-Mundy Honored

Officers were installed and awards handed out at the Effinger Ruritan Club’s annual Christmas dinner and party at The Seclusion on Dec. 12.

Natural Bridge Ruritan District Gov. Diane Swink installed the club officers: Chris Cartwright, president; Ruth Parsons, vice president; Stewart Fleming, treasurer; and Elaine Nelson, secretary. Board directors installed included Mitch Wapner, Geoff Goodbar and Richard Davis.

Ruritan Zone Director Janet Drake attended the evening along with guests Gary and Dianne Swink, all of the Kerrs Creek Club.

President Cartwright presented two awards, a co-Citizen of the Year award to Mark Fontenot, and Ruritan of the Year to Lynda Miller-Mundy.

Both of these individuals have served the Buffalo community and the Palmer Community Supper, giving of their time and talents to ensure the success of the annual fundraiser, the operation of the Palmer Community Center, and other good deeds to their community and beyond.

Miller-Mundy is a past district governor of the Natural Bridge District of Ruritans, past president of the club, and currently serves as secretary. She is working on the 501c3 paperwork for Palmer Community Center, which will be available in the near future. Fontenot engineered the new mailbox for the Palmer Community Center and is heading up the efforts with Cartwright to update the Palmer Community Center’s kitchen facilities.

The Ruritans surprised Cartwright with a special gift as he has been honored with every Ruritan award. He received a cherry wooden box with VMI insignia and a gold engraved placket stating: “ Chris C artwright, President, Effinger Ruritan Club.” This was purchased at the VMI Museum and was given to him in appreciation for his devoted service to the Ruritans and the community. The plate was engraved by Robbie Jones of Hamric and Sheridan Jewelers. Cartwright has served several years as president of the club and on the Palmer Community Center board. He is active on many other boards, and enjoys heading up the VMI parking for the football games and Keydet Club VIP parking lots.

Also during the meeting, members were thanked for their tireless service to the community. Grigg Mullen Jr., Grigg Mullen Sr., and Cindy Mullen were thanked for the undertaking and making of the homemade ice cream for the annual Palmer Ice Cream Supper. This endeavor requires hours of planning, and many volunteers who help in the production efforts.

The evening concluded with everyone singing carols led by Diane and John Schofield.