Community Service at Its Best...Saving a School

The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind for this little town. Normally, we would be spending our time getting ready for the 4th of July celebration. The homemade ice cream equipment will be pulled out, cleaned up, and put to work here near the end of the week; the bleachers at the arena checked, touched up, and made ready for the crowds to come and enjoy tractor/truck pulls and the demo derby. Schedules are being prepared for kitchen help for the big crowd we'll be feeding on the 4th. And the list goes on...

And then, in the midst of this, it was announced that our one and only school in town is to be shuttered at the  end of the 2015-16 school year.

That's enough to stop the busiest of us in our tracks.

So, we have re-grouped.

The planning goes on full steam ahead for a tremendously fun July 2-3-4 celebration. And, in the meantime, many Ruritan members along with townsfolk of all ages have banded together and formed committees to keep this school going long after the proposed deadline.

So, to anyone reading this blog, please say a little prayer for our town--make it a prayer of thanks. We're eternally grateful each day that we have a town where we, Ruritan members or not, practice the creed of "Fellowship, Goodwill, and Community Service".

And, if you get a chance, come on by for some good food and fellowship on July 2-3-4!

Press Release for Wednesday, June 17 Meeting "Friends of Otwell Elementary"

Reminder:  There is an upcoming meeting concerning closure of Otwell Elementary as a follow-up to the community meeting that was held on June 11. The meeting will take place on June 17 (Wednesday) at 7:00pm EST at the Otwell Community Center. Further organizing will take place. Representative Mike Braun will be present to speak. Organizers encourage any citizen who wants to help please attend to learn about further details and how to become involved.

 

For further information and updates, please be sure to check:

http://jeffersontownshipinruritan.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/jeffersontwpruritan

 

Website and FB page specifically for this cause coming soon!

What a Wonderful Town!

We received some devastating news Monday evening--our beloved little grade school was voted closed by our corporation school board.

And then word got out...and this "sleepy" little town we all love got moving.

Last night, close to 250 good people assembled in a standing room only fashion to not complain...or bellyache...or fuss...

We gathered together to get to work...that's what we do around here.

And work we have to do--we will have an open steering committee meeting next Wednesday evening at the Community Center at 7:00 p.m. Anyone, of any age, is more than welcome to join in--the only skill you need is the ability to work diligently and positively. We know there are lots of good people in the area that fulfill that qualification!

Thanks to everyone for rallying to this good and urgent cause. We know there were many more who couldn't attend last night's meeting due to other responsibilities; you can hop right on the "Keep OES" Express by coming next week, or by keeping up to date with checking in on posts on this website and an upcoming website entitled Friends of Otwell Elementary. We'll share that website address as soon as it gets up and rolling. You can also "Like" the Jefferson Township--Otwell, Indiana Ruritan on Facebook and follow developments there.

We love this little town, its people, and its school...let's keep moving forward!