See you at the Altus Reservoir on Thursday, the 22nd at 6PM. We will be Serving while Strolling. We will be removing trash from the swim beach and along the shoreline. As always, all supplies will be provided. We will have better receptacles for carrying the trash...that Oklahoma wind is a beast!
Please plan to attend our meeting on the 27th of this month. We will be discussing and voting on some proposed changes to the bylaws.
Passing of the Gavel will be during our regularly scheduled lunch meeting on the last Tuesday in June. The caterer purchased a smoker and we will be enjoying smoked meats, delicious side dishes, and Debbie's Homemade Desserts.
Time To CelebrateBirthdays andRotary Anniversaries
No Anniversaries this week
Rotarian Spotlight
Elias Cantu, a graduate of Frederick High School, where he resided since the 6th grade, served in the United States Navy after graduation. In 2008, Elias moved to Altus with his wife, Alma, and they found it to be an ideal place to raise their three sons.
Elias, who enjoys working with his hands, is the owner of Cantu Heat & Air in Altus. The company has been operating full-time since 2022, providing services to both residential and commercial clients in the community and surrounding areas.
Elias recently celebrated his one-year anniversary as a Rotarian and is a valued member of Altus Rotary. Despite a busy work and home life, Elias is actively involved in serving his community, including preparing free meals for the underserved through Operation C.A.R.E. Ministries.
Elias's kind and generous spirit benefits his friends, customers, fellow Rotarians, and everyone who knows him. You are appreciated Elias!
Last week we were honored to be visited by Jay Snider, Oklahoma Poet Laureate. Jay shared a bit of his life and some beautiful poetry with us. He had plans to share his works at the Museum of the Western Prairie later in the evening and again at the Southern Prairie Library on Wednesday morning. I hope that you had the chance to hear him.
Jay Snider of Cyril, Oklahoma, was appointed by Governor J. Kevin Stitt to serve a two-year term as Oklahoma State Poet Laureate in 2023. Snider was appointed to a second two-year term in the honorary position beginning in 2025. Jay tells us that Gov. Stitt said that Oklahoma should have a “Cowboy Poet”.
An award-winning cowboy poet and recording artist who has appeared at national and regional events, Snider is widely recognized in the Oklahoma cowboy poetry community and is a frequent contributor to programs presented in museums and cultural centers across the state.
Among national and regional events featuring Snider, he has appeared at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Nevada, the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering, the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering, and the Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering. Snider was a featured poet at the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering for many years.
In 2001, he was chosen by CowboyPoetry.com as their fifth Lariat Laureate—awarded to poets whose work celebrates and preserves stories honoring Western heritage and the work of ranching and rural life.
In 2006, Snider earned Cowboy Poetry Recording of the Year from the Academy of Western Artists for his CD, “Of Horses and Men.” In 2008, he was recognized as Cowboy Poet of the Year by the Academy of Western Artists. His latest album, “The Old Tried and True,” is a compilation of his favorite poems written by cowboy poets of the past.
Born and raised in a ranching and rodeo family in southwestern Oklahoma, Snider rodeoed as a young man. He currently stays busy raising ranch horses and cattle and taking part in team roping.
Last week, the Altus Rotary Club had the pleasure of recognizing Jennie Buchanan as our Rotarian of the Day. A proud native of Oklahoma, Jennie hails from Cooperton and has a deep-rooted connection to the region.
Jennie's pursuit of knowledge led her to the University of Oklahoma for her undergraduate studies, followed by a master’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. With a remarkable career spanning 24 years in educational publishing with McGraw-Hill, Jennie has extensive experience in sharing knowledge and history.
In an exciting turn of events, Jennie returned to Altus to collaborate with her brothers, Tom and Joe, in purchasing the Hess portion of the old Mock Ranch on the Red River. Together, they embarked on a venture to establish a commercial cow-calf enterprise.
In 2011, Jennie took on the role of director at the Museum of the Western Prairie, where her passion for history truly shines. Under her leadership, the museum has expanded its collection of historical artifacts and enhanced its programs, attracting a growing number of supporters. The museum has transformed into a cultural hub and is the place to be for Tuesday evening programs, drawing in the community.
Having been an active member of the Altus Rotary for nearly 14 years, Jennie embodies dedication and service. She lives by the philosophy: “Love your neighbor as yourself,” emphasizing the importance of community spirit, with a thoughtful nod to a broad interpretation of the term 'neighbor.'
Jennie's contributions to both the Rotary and the museum reflect her commitment to making Altus a better place for everyone.
Altus Rotary Club Newsletter
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