— By Gary Perkins

This past week, we held our monthly board meeting at the chamber office with Justin Calvert, Justin Young, Cheryl Hill, Tonia Cooper, Al Stevens, and Kathy Carson in attendance.

Our first order of business was a review of the chamber's financials so far this new calendar year.

It was noted that we netted $1,186 from the recent Annual Chamber Banquet, as compared to $1,476 from last year's event.

The totals were basically the same when you deduct the extra $300 that it cost this year for the use of the Three Forks Harbor & Marina facility — a charge that we didn't have last year.

It was also noted that some additional receipts for the banquet are pending, which will add to the net income.

Overall, everyone thought this year's banquet was a huge success. Also, membership renewals were up this year, as compared to 2012 at this time.

After a total review of the financial records, Tonia Cooper made the motion to accept them and Justin Calvert seconded the motion, and voting was unanimous.

We covered upcoming events as well, including the Spring Fling for a Cause 5K & Mile Run scheduled for March 30 —benefiting Special Olympics and sponsored by Lisa Walkingstick and Melody Stacey.

We also discussed our Annual Chamber Golf Tournament, scheduled for May 18 at Pecan Valley Golf Course, the Car Show and Burnout scheduled for June 14-15, July Fourth Fireworks Show, new Historic 10K and 5K Run & Mile Fun Run scheduled for Aug. 24 and the BBQ & Bluegrass Festival scheduled for Oct. 25-26.

The Board also discussed the Weekly Chamber Luncheons held at 11:30 a.m. every Thursday at various restaurants in Fort Gibson.

Tonia Cooper made the motion that those restaurants that we hold our luncheons at should be members of the chamber — the thought being that we bring in 10 to 16 people each week for lunch, along with the mention they get in the Chamber Notes — benefits and outweighs the cost of membership.

Justin Young seconded the motion, and voting was unanimous. In reality, there are only a couple restaurants that currently aren't members, and securing their membership shouldn't be a problem going forward.

Our preliminary BBQ Committee Meeting will be held March 5, and we will hold our first Car Show Committee Meeting, March 12 — both at 6 p.m. here at the chamber office.

Anyone wishing to be part of either event is welcome to attend our planning meetings.

Also, speaking of our Weekly Chamber Luncheon, for the month of March we will be holding them at Subway on South Lee Street.

Our weekly luncheon is open to everyone, and there is no formal meeting format or pressure for those in attendance.

We meet for lunch and enjoy each other's company, and that's it.

In addition to locals, we often get school officials, political dignitaries, and new business personnel — it all leads to a great chance to find what's going on in town, and just how great our little community is. Come join us.

We thank Jim Huggins and his staff at Simple Simon's Pizza for their great food and hospitality for the month of February.

And finally, one last word regarding our Lady Tigers Swim Team, who are celebrating their third 5A State Championship.

It is a great honor, not only for the State Championship, but also because it is their Third Academic Title as well, which means 12-plus girls have maintained a 4.0 grade point average.

They will be starting their fundraising soon, so that they can all get a State Championship Ring.

Any donations are welcome from businesses, services or individuals. For information on how you can help to obtain this worthy goal, call Darla Cantrell, (918) 869-6547. For information on the Spring Fling 5K & Mile Run, call Lisa Walkingstick, (918) 869-0473 or Melody Stacy, (918) 348-5431. For information on the Car Show, call me, (918) 577-2069.