Today is a very special day in the history of the Abingdon Ruritan Club. The civic organization, which has become synonymous with its signature seafood festivals, as well as its countless donations and other charitable acts, celebrates its 70th birthday today, Thursday, Oct. 8. The club was chartered by 29 men on Oct. 8, 1956. Since that time, the club has continued to blossom, and now stands at 117 members, making it the largest of any of the 781 clubs that compose Ruritan National. Because of the success of its seafood festivals and the dedication of its volunteers, the club has been able to return more than $100,000 each year to the county through donations that support numerous benevolent charitable organizations. The club also awards three scholarships each year to graduating Gloucester High School seniors. And younger children in the community know of the club through its annual Children’s Christmas Party, with games, crafts, prizes, refreshments, and of course, a visit from Sant...