The sounds of the CA-NV chapter of OCTA rang throughout Lemoore during the weekend of March 19-21, 2004. Only the Navy's Blue Angels who just happened to be in town during the same weekend were louder.

The weekend began with a board meeting on Friday night at which a New Directions committee to be chaired by director Curtis Grant was spawned. More about this project during the coming months.

On Saturday we listened to descendants of the pioneer Rhoads and Esrey families talk about how their ancestors came over on the trails and settled in the area. Other speakers informed us of the flora and fauna of the Tulare Lake Basin as well as some of the history of the area including the famous Mussel Slough Tragedy that occurred more than 120 years ago.

The group reconvened Saturday evening for a downhome barbeque and music fest. Highlights of the evening were Zeke Sicotte's rendition of that old Hank Williams tune "Your Cheatin' Heart" and Bill Rupp's recitation of "My Last Cigarette." After dinner Bill, a former chapter president, and his wife Shann, the chapter's COED representative, received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

On Sunday we visited the Rhoads family cemetery for the dedication of a plaque honoring the Rhoads pioneer family and then toured the old Rhoads Adobe.

The Chapter Board met on Friday evening.

Sharon Brown of the National Park Service talked at the Friday Board Meeting.

The Lemoore High School NJROTC and Joe Neves, Chairman of the Kings County Board of Supervisors and President of the Lower Kings River Historical Society.

Steve Emmanuels, Chairman of the Symposium

Bernie Rhoades wore different hats during his presentation on the Rhoads Family.

Nan and Zeke Sicotte decide what to eat for lunch.

Orsola and Richard Silva

The March and Allison families take it easy after lunch . . .

while others visited the Sarah A. Mooney Memorial Museum.

Inside the museum

Rob Hanson spoke on the flora and fauna of the Tulare Lake Basin.

Donna Crow spoke on the Rhoads and Esrey pioneer families of Lemoore

William Preston lectured on the history and geography of the Tulare Lake Basin.

Claudia Mader talked about the 1880 Mussel Slough Tragedy.

Tom Fee and Frank Tortorich

Award recipients Bob Iverson and Carol March.

Bob Iverson received an award from Fran Taplin for organizing the symposium.

Jim Allison, Zeke Sicotte and Bob Iverson delighted the crowd.

Tom Fee and Kathy Lewin

Steve Emanuels and his musical family

Tom and Kathy swing to the music.

Shann and Bill Rupp received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Bernie Rhoades at the Rhoads Family Cemetery

A kildeer laid her eggs right in the middle of the Rhoads memorial.

Pat Loomis

Evelyn White and her companion Jeanie. Evelyn's husband George White is a descendant of Thomas Rhoads.

Tom Hunt read the words on the OCTA plaque.

Tom Hunt, Jim Allison, Jeanne and Jim Murray et al at the plaque dedication.

Steve Emanuels and Bernie Rhoades at the plaque dedication.

Descendants of the Rhoads and Esrey families

The Rhoads Adobe

Inside the Rhoads Adobe