The Eastern Oklahoma section held their annual Christmas party at Saltgrass Steakhouse in Tulsa OK on Thursday December 7, 2023. Thirty-two members enjoyed their dinner in the private dining room enjoying a variety of entries from the extensive menu.

The section presented a special plaque to John Kushnerick for serving as section President for the past eight years as well as the Member of the Year award to incoming President Nathan Armer.  Addition framed certificates of  appreciation were presented to Ben Cunningham for his many years of service to the section as an officer, board member and newsletter publisher.  Carolyn Fuchs was recognized for her work as the section secretary, and Ron and Jean Hardage for their many years of event and trip planning.

Former President John Kushnerick recapped the 2023 year of activities and events.  President Armer informed the group of upcoming Q1 2024 events and asked members to help submit ideas and suggestions for new destinations and journeys.  

 Thanks to Ron Hardage for shepherding a food drive for Bixby Outreach food pantry. Members collected hundreds of pounds of canned goods and boxed dry goods.

The highlight of the evening is always the “Dirty Santa” gift exchange. Most gifts stayed with their original owners. However, Kristen Bebout and John Tanner were victims of multiple steals. In the end we hope everyone walked away with a gift they enjoyed.

A special thanks goes out to Robin Armer, Harriet Kushnerick, Carolyn Fuchs, and Kristen Bebout and for serving as the event committee on this annual gathering.