SouthWest Scouts of Oklahoma

Good afternoon to all, We in Burbank/Ponca City hope this newsletter finds everyone doing well. Spring is upon us and it is time to start getting together with all of our IH family members.

We held our annual SWS meeting February 5, 2005 in Oklahoma City at Gary Tabers swap/shop. We would like to again say thanks to Gary for allowing us to look through all his buildings and to use one for our meeting. George & Kim Barwick have taken on more responsibilities with their jobs and have stepped down as President and Secretary. I thank them for all the hard work they have done over the last few years. It was discussed and we all decided to keep the treasurer position in Wakita since the account was already there. Jack McClary nominated myself, Brian Branch, as President and my wife, Mary to fill the secretary position. The nomination was seconded by Gary Taber and the positions were filled by acclamation. In return Brian nominated Jack to retain the Vice President position, Gary seconded the motion and Jack was retained by acclamation.

Richard Thrasher, President of Heartland International, noted that the Kansas club will not be having its usual spring tour, but will be having an off road event in May. Planning & details are still being put together. Richard noted that due to health concerns Rita & Terry Dishon announced last October that they will no longer be organizing the Sunflower Reunion. Heartland International has decided to organize a car show (no off-roading) July 30 – 31, 2005, in Newton, KS; the host hotel will be the Best Western. Richard noted that he would still like to organize an off-road event between the Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri clubs. The new off-road park in Kansas, near Ft. Scott, is open. The park was built through a state grant. No camping is available yet.

Mike Scherr & son. Richard Thrasher & others talking shop at the annual meeting.

Rowdy Andrews, Barb Wiens, Margo Wiens with Jana Branch, who made her 1st SW Scout Meeting.

Richard and others discussed the new International CXT’s that are being sold. There was one on display last year at nationals. Base model was $96,000 and a decked out one upwards of $115,000. It sets on a 1700 chassis along with an F350 reworked bed. Richard noted that the bumper came to his chin.

Discussion turned to club activity for the spring. Gary said he would be willing to host an event at his land near Guthrie. It was noted that Ponca City has a classic drag on Friday evening and a car show on Saturday. Streets are closed and Pre 1976 vehicles are permitted to cruise Grand and park for admiration from others. As most of you hopefully know, I have sent out information on this event and haven’t received very many responses, 3 to be exact. I was really hoping we would have a better turnout for this. It is a lot of fun and the weather should be great. If you haven’t responded, please RSVP soon so that I can try and plan other activities for the weekend!

Judd Parker, Rowdy Gilpin & others at the 2005 Annual Meeting.

Club membership and member dues to the Southwest 4 Wheel Drive Association were discussed. Club dues are $50.00 plus $9.00 per member. Richard made a motion, seconded by Jack McClary, to cease membership to SWFWDA; motion carried. Annual raffle tickets from SWFWDA were offered to members in attendance and it was stated that the club would no longer purchase tickets that did not sell.

I would like to ask each of our members to set a goal for themselves; the goal being to recruit, at least, 1 new member per year. I don’t think it would be that hard to do and it would sure help OUR club. Get a hold of someone that was previously a member and find out why they are no longer a member. This is our club and if changes need to be made to interest more people we can do that. Our numbers are down from last year, but we hope to see them come back up if we will all try and accomplish our yearly goal. I would also like to ask all members to have their dues taken care of as soon as possible. On the back page is a list of all our previous members along with current paid members. Look through it and pick someone to call and try and get them back in the club. Please check your e-mail address also and let us know if they have changed.

Thanks to all who drove their IH’s to the meeting.

I would also like to welcome our newest member Mike Scherr. Thanks for joining and having an interest in our club. My e-mail is scout1ton@sbcglobal.net. E-mail me with any questions or requests of things you would like to see in the newsletter. Maybe you have something to sell, trade or give away, e-mail me and I will get it in the next newsletter.

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Pictures From Past Events

George Barwick at Little Sahara Hope this isn't in the future for the current president.	With a little help from WARN, George is right side up.
Barwick’s binder at the Sunflower Reunion.	Richard Thrasher in race @ Sunflower Reunion.

We weren’t there, but by the look on George’s face,
the chicken must have some sentimental value.

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Is there a parade or show and shine in your town that you'd like to invite the club to participate in?
Let us know about it and we'll provide a list in the newsletter for anyone who'd want to get away
for a day or the weekend.

If there's anything you want to include in future newsletters
send pics/ads/info, as detailed & accurate as possible to
SW Scouts
54 Coyote Dr.
Burbank, OK 774633
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