DOBSON — The Copeland Ruritan Club will celebrate its 50th year this Saturday. Long-time Ruritan Willis Overby, who has held a variety of local and national positions in the club, is the keynote speaker.

Spokesperson Jerry Venable said the event is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. at the Ruritan Club Building. Venable also said that one charter member of the club, O.G. Pete Carroll, is still an active member and also will be recognized at the celebration.

“I can’t remember Pete ever missing a meeting,” commented Venable. He also said at one time, Copeland was the largest Ruritan club nationally with more than 100 members. A PowerPoint presentation on the club’s history is planned. Photos of past officers and members also will be displayed at the meeting.

“We are a community organization,” explained Venable. “Ruritan clubs assist local schools along with many other projects and all the money we raise is given back to the community.”

Surry Community College freshman Tiffany Whitt will be recognized at the celebration. She is a graduate of Surry Central High School and is a recipient of the club’s scholarship. Venable said the Ruritan scholarships have been awarded students since at least the 1970s. They are in the amount of $750 yearly.

“We sent out more than 100 invitations to past members and deceased members’ families and we have heard back from a great number of them,” added Venable.

Overby is expected to comment on the part Ruritan clubs play in service to their communities. Refreshments will be provided at the celebration.