The Washington (evening) Rotary Club met Thursday evening at the Washington Yacht & Country Club.

Following a social period in the Upper Deck, President David McLawhorn convened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Pamlico Room.

Charlie Brown led in the Pledge of Allegiance, Bartow Houston had members join together in the singing of “America the Beautiful,” and Brownie Futrell offered an invocation prior to the meal.

Dr. David Swarner presented the Health and Happiness report.

Swarner, the evening’s program director, and a board member of Ruth’s House, spoke briefly about his involvement with the home, after which he introduced Valerie Kines, executive director.

Kines provided an interesting and informative program about Ruth’s House, which is a faith-based, community-driven 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization.

She explained that its mission is to provide shelter, counseling, court advocacy and support services for victims of domestic violence, assisting them to transform their lives and regain their rightful place in the community, free from abuse.

Ruth’s House also works to mobilize the community against domestic violence through information and education.

After a question-and-answer exchange, McLawhorn, on behalf of the club, thanked Kines and presented her with a highly coveted Rotary pen.

Mary Jo Vance then led in the recitation of the Rotary Four-Way Test, followed by McLawhorn adjourning the meeting.