Springtime
Events
Article from Mar
- Apr 2004 Buckeye Trapper
by Patti
Conrad
In the spring the snow melts, flowers bloom, the grass starts
to grow, and sparrows get into my bluebird houses and make their
nests.
Spring also brings with it the OSTA Region Meets, our Spring Sweepstakes,
and this year something new will be taking place. The OSTA will
be hosting a Furbearers Unlimited Banquet.
Spring Region Meets. The OSTA Spring Region Meets
were re-introduced in the spring of 2002. There were organized
to accomplish several things. The OSTA Officers and Directors
are always looking for ways to benefit and serve its members.
The Meets were intended to offer an opportunity to find out more
about the organization itself as well as to communicate ideas
and express concerns and opinions on how the trapping industry
and the OSTA are progressing.
Some members are unable to attend the State, National, or Fall
Meets, so the Spring Meets provide an alternative solution. Sometimes
the State Conventions are so hectic and the Officers and Directors
are so busy tending to the operations of the Convention there
is little or no time to talk with the members. Our goal was to
provide a relaxed environment where members could take their time
to express ideas and opinions.
Along with being smaller and less hectic, Region Meets have free
demos and there are no gate fees. Also, there are no charges for
dealers to set-up and no tailgating fees. This would be a perfect
opportunity for you to sell some of that trapping or other outdoor
equipment that you no longer use.
Originally, each Region's agenda was just a little different from
the Fall Meets. It was understood from the beginning that the
future of these events would depend upon the response that was
received from the membership as far as attendance. The interest
shown and the attendance would determine if they would continue
to be held in each individual Region.
Members who attended the first Meets were brought up to date with
the latest information on the BMP process, proposed changes in
trapping regulations and old and new OSTA business.
The first Region A Meet was hosted by Ron Reinhart, then Region
A Director, and was held at the District 2 ODOW headquarters meeting
room in Findlay and had a small turnout. Region Director Clint
Cork, hosted the first Region B Meet at the Geauga Co. Fairgrounds
in Burton, and had a fair turnout. Region C held its first Meet
at the Fayette Co. Fish and Game Club in Washington C.H., and
was well attended. Regions A and B had more of a meeting atmosphere,
while Region C was more like a Fall Meet and included some demos.
Mark's "carry-in" pot lunch has become quite popular
and there is always a wide variety of covered dishes available
for lunch.
Corky Klausing will host the Region A Spring Meet on Saturday,
April 10 this year. It will be held at Corky's home between Ottawa
and Pandora. For directions and information see the ad in this
issue.
Region B will be holding their Spring Meet at the Falls Township
Hall in Zanesville on Saturday, April 10. Contact Clint Cork,
Region B Director, or Doug Wilson with any questions. There is
also an ad for the Region B Meet.
Mark Stackhouse will host the Region C Spring Meet on Sunday,
March 28 at the Fayette Co. Fish and Game Club. Details appear
in the ad in this issue of the BT.
Art Scott is one of the last old-time trappers still around, and
still trapping. He has a world of knowledge to share. He is the
only trapper that Mark could locate that had enough knowledge
of blind trail setting and dragging to do a demo at the Region
C Meet. You won't want to miss that demo!
It is important to remember if the members want to continue to
have Spring Meets, there needs to be more attendance. Regions
B and C have had a good response, but I am sorry to say, Region
A has not.
Maybe members need to be reminded that the Meets are free of charge
- it costs you nothing to attend. They are very informal get togethers,
and everyone has a good time exchanging ideas and stories. There
is not a fee for dealers or tailgaters to set up and sell, and
it's a great place to bring your used equipment to trade or sell
with someone. Don't forget; one man's trash is another man's treasure.
What you no longer have a use for might just be an item someone
needs and can't find! If you have any questions about the Meets
see the ads in this issue of the BT or call any of the Region
Directors with your questions, they will be happy to hear from
you and to answer your questions.
Spring Sweepstakes. Each year the Sweepstakes
provides the OSTA with a much-needed cash flow during our "slow
season". Longtime members will remember reading about this
in previous Treasure's Reports. It is an important and very true
statement. Since advertising income and membership dues slow in
the spring the Sweepstakes enhances our income and tides us over
until the State Convention and membership dues pick up. The Spring
Sweepstakes is our second largest fundraiser each year!
Again this year there will be shopping spree prizes with trapping
supply dealers. First prize is a $600 shopping spree at Sterling
Fur. Second prize is $400 at Molnar Outdoor. Third Prize is for
$200 at Sullivan Scents. The fourth and fifth prizes are for $100
at JR and Sons and Blackie's Blends. As an added benefit of membership
there is also a members only FREE drawing
for a $100 shopping spree at the trapping supply vendor of the
winner's choice. Just return the green ticket you receive in your
sweepstakes packet to the OSTA, regardless of whether you play
the Spring Sweepstakes or not, and you will be entered into the
free drawing.
Fur Bearers Unlimited Banquet. For the first
time, the OSTA will be hosting an FBU Banquet on Saturday, April
17, 2004. The Fur Bearers Unlimited Banquet will be presented
in the same fashion as a Ducks Unlimited or similar Banquet. Proceeds
from this event will be split 50/50 between the NTA and the OSTA.
Hal Sullivan will be the master of ceremonies for the Banquet.
Hal provides a unique and humorous outlook on life, and as our
host, will certainly make this an evening to remember. For $20.00
per person and $35.00 per couple you will be treated to dinner,
games, door prizes, live and silent auction, and much, much more.
The doors at the All Occasion Banquet and Catering Building in
Waldo, Ohio will open at 4:00 p.m. with dinner being served at
6:00 p.m. For tickets contact any Officer or Director. For information
contact Steve Massie at 937-663-0287.
Even though trapping season is over, as you can see, there is
still plenty to do this spring in the OSTA. On behalf of the OSTA
Board of Directors, I would like to extend an invitation to each
and every OSTA member, family member, and friend to attend and/or
participate in any and all of these springtime events. ###
Patti Conrad, 1244 Abbe Road, Sheffield, OH 44054
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