The Richland Ruritan club met on Sept. 10 to hear an engaging and informative presentation by Dr. Michael Adelman, president of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM). The first portion of the presentation gave the background for the success of the WVSOM and its plans to add new buildings. This local medical school is ranked number 1 in the nation in providing doctors who practice in rural communities. There are 818 students attending the school. Graduates of the school practice in 47 of the 55 counties in West Virginia. The WVSOM is currently expanding its clinical evaluation center and its student center. The student center will be available for local community functions. The WVSOM is a strong contributor to the economic development of the Greenbrier community. The WVSOM produces a children’s program on the West Virginia public television network. “Abracadabra” is a program directed to children age 4 to 10. The program focuses on health, nutrition, exercise, science and safety. Using a format that includes magic, a ventriloquist and original songs with a message, the program is in its fourth season. The program, which is a part of the WVSOM Healthy Children’s Initiative, has won accolades for its health message, and creativity. The Richlands Ruritan 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 Ruritan 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 86th year this May.
