Published: January 30, 2008 03:37 pm      

Difference makers

WAURIKA — A couple extra tables had to be set up at the last minute to handle the overflow crowd at Waurika’s Chamber of Commerce Banquet Saturday night, as over 200 people squeezed into the all-purpose room at Waurika Elementary School to listen to guest speaker J.C. Watts, chow down on a barbecue dinner and applaud local residents singled out for community service awards.

“We had a good crowd, and it went about as smooth as you could ask for,” summed up Chamber President Brad Scott.

First to be honored was State Rep. Ray McCarter, who due to term limits will complete his third and final term as District 51 representative this year.

McCarter was thanked for his outstanding service to the community, not just during his 12 years in the state house but for four years (1979-81) as Waurika’s high school principal.

McCarter accepted his award with a smile and his trademark good humor. With a laugh, he said part of the reason he continued to be re-elected was that he used to give 100 extra points to students who registered to vote.

Sitting in the audience, Johnny Griffin called out a reminder that McCarter had also awarded 100 extra points for giving blood. “That must be why you look so anemic,” McCarter answered back, without missing a beat.

The next recipient to earn a standing ovation was Rex Dunn, who was announced as Waurika’s Ag Volunteer of the Year.

Dunn, a local bull breeder who was a professional rodeo clown and champion bullfighter for more than 20 years, was praised by Scott for invaluable help in developing and working on Waurika’s Ranch Rodeo, which has become the organization’s largest fundraiser.

The focus of attention then shifted to 83-year-old Gin Dodson, who was celebrated as Waurika’s Volunteer of the Decade.

Sitting in the back of the room, it took awhile for Dodson to make her way forward through the well-wishers to accept a gold watch, but it also took some time for Chamber Vice President Don Johnson to list her many accomplishments and contributions, as he compared her to “the cream that rises to the top.”

“She promotes Waurika to anyone who will listen, and even to some who won’t,” Johnson quipped, describing Dodson’s energy and talent as a combination of her sense of humor and “terrific imagination.”

Over the years, Dodson, who served as Chamber president in 2000 and 2001, has been a Lions Club member, director of the city’s Christmas Parade and organizer for this year’s Centennial Parade. The octogenarian has also been the driving force behind the Chisholm Trail Historical Museum, where she served as director, and has promoted arts in the area.

“She works hard at everything she does, but more important is her dedication to helping people. We’re very fortunate to have her here,” Johnson said.

Dodson admitted she was surprised at receiving the award. “Thank you so much,” she said. “It’s been an absolute pleasure.”

Bill Everett was then named as Waurika’s Volunteer of the Year.

Described as a person whose career took him “all over,” Everett then “came back to retire in Waurika, where his true friends were. He came back to pick up his golf clubs and play golf with his friends,” said Johnson.

Sprucing up the city’s golf course became a perfect fit for Everett. “He had a vision of what our golf course could be, and injected himself into those efforts,” said Johnson, adding that the local course is now drawing golfers from a 50-mile radius.

One last “surprise” award was presented when Johnson announced that Brad Scott was Waurika’s new Citizen of the Year.

“There for awhile, it looked like the Chamber was sliding away,” said Johnson. “Businesses were closing, buildings were vacant. We were just trying to stay alive, and afraid of the next closure.”

The tide has turned, he said, due in part to the efforts of Scott.

“He wanted to stir up excitement; stir up a new hope. He began to enlist volunteers and focus on the future. He exemplified leadership.

“Because of him, we are a community on the move.”

Scott is also returning for his third straight year as Chamber president.

“I appreciate everyone who helps,” said Scott, who encouraged community support to “keep the momentum going.”

Joining Scott and Johnson on the Chamber’s 2008 board of directors are Ross Bartling, Terri Brown, Joanna Dyer, Becky Gerken, James Ivy, Roxie Terry, Carolyn Beaver, Frances Hall, D.J. Jenkins, Jane McDowell, Dowd Waid, Carl Gholson, Sonny Richardson and Chy Waters.

The banquet was sponsored by AT&T. Dinner was provided by the Branding Iron, and servers were members of Waurika’s FFA and FCCLA.