JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Members of Powells Crossroads’ Ruritan Club have recently gathered for the organization’s first monthly meeting of the new year, kicking off 2026 with new ideas in mind and goals to pursue.
The organization’s meetings are held the first Monday of each month at the Sulfur Springs Global Methodist Church on Sulfur Spring Road. Ruritan President Monica McCarthy explained every meeting kicks off with a meal prior to agenda items and ideas being shared. She continued and said the purpose of each meeting is to allow every member of the organization to come together and brainstorm various ideas regarding community involvement, whether it’s helping display the American flag across town for Memorial and Veterans Day, or help clean up the shores of Nickajack Lake in nearby Guild and Jasper.
McCarthy added the Ruritan Club aims to collaborate with non-profit organizations and volunteer groups throughout Marion County, bringing their services into the community to attract greater volunteer work and community wide interconnectivity.
“We try to bring in different people from the community that helps others,” said McCarthy. “It’s a way for them to come in to reach out to a group of volunteers, or an organization that wants to volunteer.”
During this month’s meeting, members of the Ruritan Club were presented with several tasks to perform throughout January, tasks including setting up dates and times for upcoming activities and establish the Ruritan Club’s upcoming Fish Fry meal event for this spring. Additionally, three major priorities were recognized for all members to pursue for 2026: growth and development, community impact, and stronger connections in leadership and support. The three priorities will serve as the largest goals for each member to pursue, as the Ruritan Club aims to continue making connections and helping to support the community any way the program can.
“The Ruritan’s goal is to keep the volunteering and all the services within our rural community,” said McCarthy. “That is the basis of Ruritan.”
To join the Powells Crossroads Ruritan Club, newcomers can visit the organization’s monthly meeting every first Monday at 6 p.m. at Sulfur Spring Global Methodist Church, located on 329 Sulphur Spring Rd. There, an invitation will be provided for those interested in becoming a member to fill out.