Email from Senate of Virginia Remembering Senator Frank Ruff: A True Public Servant Remembering Senator Frank Ruff A True Public Servant   As we reflect on the life of Senator Frank Ruff, I feel it’s important to share just how much he meant to our community. Frank was one of our area’s hardest-working public servants, and no matter how people knew him, one thing was clear: he was a quiet, humble, intelligent, and effective leader.   I had the unique privilege of working alongside Frank for many years—starting in 1991, I was involved in his campaigns and later served as his Legislative Assistant from 1994 to 2006. I also had the chance to wear many hats: bookkeeper for his furniture store, campaign treasurer, and family babysitter, just to mention a few. Through all these roles, I got to know Frank in ways few others did. I first heard about Frank when my dad returned from a Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors meeting, raving about Frank’s talent with numbers and his understanding of the county budget. My dad was spot on—Frank truly had a gift with numbers! Before long, I found myself attending local Republican committee meetings with my father, where Frank and I served as officers together for years. What I admired most about Frank was his unwavering humility. In a world where many elected officials seem to let power go to their heads, Frank remained grounded and approachable. He genuinely loved serving the people and communities he represented, always striving to find solutions that improved their lives. Frank’s journey in the Virginia House of Delegates began in 1994, and his first bill aimed to create the Tobacco Heritage License Plate. He thought it would be a straightforward piece of legislation, but it unexpectedly made national news when anti-smoking activists claimed it promoted smoking. The true intent was to honor the heritage of tobacco farming in Southside Virginia, a legacy that his wife Jessie Ruff still proudly drives around with the very first Tobacco Heritage plate issued. Frank’s contributions to economic development and workforce training in our region were truly remarkable. His work with the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, which he chaired until his passing, and his involvement with the Center for Rural Virginia are just a couple of the many highlights of his career. The positive changes he brought to rural Virginia will be felt for generations to come. Last Friday, over fifty state officials gathered to pay their respects at Frank's funeral, a testament to the profound impact he had on his colleagues throughout his career. Among those in attendance were the current governor, two former governors, U.S. representatives, current and retired, and many current and former members of the Virginia Senate and House from both sides of the aisle. Though he was a reserved servant, Frank’s influence extended far and wide. While I could go on for hours about Frank’s accomplishments, it’s crucial to mention how deeply he cherished his family. Having seen many sides of him, I can say that they were the true joys of his life. His time with Jessie, their children, and grandchildren was what he valued most. One of the last things he told me was that he wasn’t afraid to die; the timing just wasn’t right. He just wished he had more time to spend with the ones he loved – especially his grandchildren. Isn’t that a wish we all have? Let’s take a lesson from Frank’s final wish: never take a moment for granted with those you love. I have been told more times than I can count that I have big shoes to fill since being elected to fill Frank’s seat in the Virginia Senate. I surely will never fill Frank’s shoes, but he knew me well enough to encourage me to run, endorse me, and mentor me for years so that I would be ready for the job. Frank did not accomplish all that he did in a day or even one term in the state legislature; he worked hard over thirty years to achieve great things. I hope you will be patient with me as I work diligently to carve a better life and opportunities for our region in the coming days and years. As always, my team and I are here to assist you with any questions or concerns. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 434.374.5129 or via email at [email protected].   BEYOND THRILLED FOR THE VICTORY AND THE POWER OF NATIONWIDE PRAYER! Let’s all continue to pray that God will keep this man safe, lead and guide him in all his decisions! May he be UNASHAMED to put God and his faith in his leadership. AND may we all remain humble and kind and give God all the glory for our victory! Make GOD great again!   I wanted to share more about my non-profit THE WINDSONG FOUNDATION Providing Hope, Help, and Healing Through Christ for Domestic Violence Victims PLEASE LIKE, SHARE, AND FOLLOW OUR PAGE AS WE HAVE MORE INFORMATION TO SHARE SOON! Link To Facebook Page The Mammography Bus is coming to Keysville. Date: November 26, 2024 Time: 7:30AM-2:00PM, by appointment Location: John H. Daniel Campus, Keysville Phone: 434-736-2070 If you are a woman who is 40 or over and would like to schedule a mammogram, this is for you. If you are under 40 AND have a referral from your PCP, then you may also participate. Uninsured and underinsured women may be able to receive a much-needed breast cancer screening at no cost. Southside Virginia Community College is offering a new course this spring!! On January 13, you can start their FBA OpTIC Path Certification Course.....in just a few short weeks, you can become a fiber technician. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO Join Sova Rise Collaborative for Entrepreneurship Week 2024 Join them from November 18-24 for a week full of exciting events designed to support and celebrate the entrepreneurial community. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this week offers something valuable for everyone. Here’s a peek at what’s in store: November 18: Overview of RetirePath Virginia Program – Learn about resources for financial well-being, especially for business owners and HR professionals. November 19: Unlocking Your Business Potential: How to Claim & Optimize Your Online Business Profile – Claim and optimize your business profile to boost online visibility and attract more customers. November 20: PUMP: Pull Up Mentoring Program – Connect with resources and get mentoring support for your business journey. November 21: RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup – A virtual gathering for entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders to share updates and network. November 22: Focus Friday: Free Coworking Day – Enjoy a free coworking day at SOVA Innovation Hub with WiFi, coffee, and donuts! Whether you’re looking to expand your network, learn new skills, or find inspiration, this week has it all. Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities! DONATE Email Us P.O. Box 145, Clarksville, VA 23927 (434) 374 5129 Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Senator Tammy Mulchi | P.O. Box 145, Clarksville, VA 23927 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!