Alva Review-Courier -

RITC (Rangers In The Community) is set to launch Saturday, Sept. 21. An initiative of the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association and the Northwestern Alumni Board, RITC will provide an annual opportunity for Northwestern Oklahoma State University alumni, students, faculty and staff, and the foundation and alumni office, to join community members in a community service project.

This year’s event will take place in Cherokee. North Grand Avenue from Main Street to W. 2nd will receive the attention of volunteers. Also, two buildings on the street will be prepped and painted.

Cherokee Main Street, Cherokee’s version of a Chamber of Commerce, is partnering with Northwestern in this first project.

The day begins at 9 a.m. Volunteers should meet at the Bakers Building, North Grand Avenue and 2nd Street, east side. Online registration at https://my.nwfoundation.com/ritc will ensure volunteers receive a free T-shirt. Organizers expect the work to be done by 2 p.m.

"The opportunity to work with our neighbor for a common cause is exciting," said John Allen, director of Alumni Relations. "Cherokee is home to many of our Ranger alumni and current students. Working together, as one community, provides endless possibilities."

Allen added that Cherokee Main Street is an extraordinary partner.

"Shaun Aker and the Cherokee Main Street board of directors are making this a great endeavor. Their community spirit and attention to detail are setting a high standard."

"Cherokee Main Street and the City of Cherokee wishes to thank the RITC (Rangers in the Community) for creating this event, and for choosing the City of Cherokee as its location," said Shaun Aker, director, Cherokee Main Street. "We are excited for being given the chance to do so many wonderful things for our community, and all in just one day. But above all, we are overwhelmed by this fine organization's kindness, as well as the true sense of civic awareness that so many Cherokee residents own. It will be a day to remember for all of us. As always, "It's great to be in Cherokee".

For more information about RITC and its community service day in Cherokee, call the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association at 580-327-8593.