At their meeting on Aug. 11, the Richland Ruritan members were treated to an entertaining presentation by David and Lynn Stone from Stone Road Vineyards in Wert County, WV. The Stones explained the process of creating wine and the operation of their vineyard. Stone Road Vineyard had a tasting booth at the West Virginia State Fair this year.
The Stones, former schoolteachers, have operated their vineyard with 17 acres of grapes for 10 years. They make 1,200 cases of wine each year and distribute it throughout Wert, Wood and Jackson Counties. They gave credit to the State Agricultural Commissioner for marketing help and technical support. The West Virginia wine industry is considered a part of the tourism effort in the state. Their vineyard makes seven different varieties of wine.
The club business meeting included the announcement of the recipient of their student scholarship as a welding student at New River Community College from Smoot. The club also voted to donate $100 to Shepherd’s Center.
The nominating committee presented a slate of officers for 2022. The following officers were elected by acclamation: President, Steve Harris; Vice President, Cliff Gillian; Secretary, Jack Tuckwiller; and Treasurer, Lucy Refsland.
The Richlands Ruritans club meets on the second Wednesday of each month for a dinner meeting at the Calvary Methodist Church on Route 60W. The Ruritan Civic organization is a national network of clubs working together for a stronger America. The Ruritans’ focus is to support community services in small towns and rural communities across America. The Ruritans were founded in 1928 in Holland, VA, and celebrated their 93rd year last May. The Richlands Ruritans Club provides scholarships to local college students and 4-H campers and maintains Tuckwiller Park.