ALTUS -- The Committee of 100 of the Altus Chamber of Commerce held the first quarterly reception and dinner for newcomers, students and those returning from being deployed and their families at the Altus High School Cafetorium on March 24.

The evening began with a small business fair, followed by a dinner. Entertainment for the evening was the Fang Master Jack Cossey representing the Mangum Rattlesnake Derby. Jack had two members of the group that plans the annual Rattlesnake Derby held in Mangum.

The dates for this year are April 29 to May 1. The fang master brought three rattlesnakes in a plexiglass-covered box and demonstrated snake handling before the 300 plus people in attendance.

The purpose of the Committee of 100 is to maintain and cultivate excellent relations with the men and women of Altus Air Force Base. We welcome the newcomers, students and their families to Altus Air Force Base and to our community. We also welcome back those personnel who have been deployed overseas. The Altus Chamber of Commerce has 25 action groups, one of which is the Committee of 100. The Committee of 100 was formed in 1984 while Linda Copeland was Chairman of the Board. The Committee of 100 is made up of business men and women in our community who pay an added amount above their chamber membership to defray the costs of the four (quarterly) receptions and dinners the committee hosts. Each event is unique.

Friday May 13, they will have an old-fashioned outdoor cookout with hayrides at the Lucas Farm.

In August they will hold the Business Fair and the last event in October at Western Oklahoma State College.

Anyone interested in joining should contact the Altus Chamber of Commerce at 482-0210.

-- from staff reports