Old Kia Kima Smoke Signal

Old Kia Kima Smoke Signal
March, 2015
The Old Kia Kima Smoke Signal is published quarterly by the Old Kia Kima Preservation
Association,
an IRS 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit Corporation
Cohen Watusi Oswalt & David Fleming remembering…
“Those who drink of the South Fork waters shall return.”
Handley Cohen “Ozzie”/“Watusi” Oswalt (1934-2015)
OKK Memory Tributes
In a late January 2015 the OKKPA and Scouting families were informed that our beloved Brother Handley
Cohen Oswalt made his transition from the physical to the spiritual realms. Knowing he soars happily and
freely with the Eagle Scouts who passed before him, we acknowledge his powerfully positive influence upon
our lives. He left part of himself with us and took part of us with him.
We are grateful for his family supporting and encouraging his presence to help restore and preserve our
beloved Old Kia Kima. We too concur with his adult children who said, “Ozzie loved every moment of his life
up to the very end. No tribute to him is complete without mentioning his love, commitment and dedication to
the Boy Scouts of America where he was a scout and adult leader for more than 53 years. The number of
young lives he touched and influenced in those 53 years is immeasurable.” He was always mindful of the
OKKPA mission: “…provide an environment where elders may pass on knowledge and experience, enriching
and shaping the lives of your people today.”
The unofficial Cook County Chapter of OKKPA is a mystery to many. Over the restoration years of OKK,
Ozzie/Watusi and Joan, his delightfully cheerful spouse, hosted a few OKK vagabonds passing through
Cookeville, Tennessee on Interstate 40. During those stopovers, we experienced the essence of southern
hospitality. We OKKPA Cook County Chapter vagabonds herein offer our tributes and reflections of the
treasured memories with our beloved Brother Ozzie/Watusi.
Old Kia Kima Smoke Signal
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OKK Memory Tributes continued…..
Nuthin’ Like A Fishin’ Buddy … from Gordon Scotty Monteath
During the early years of OKKPA, I was living in Northern Virginia and made several spring and
fall trips to camp/reunions driving with my two (boxer) dogs, Skye and Nessie. On two of those
occasions, I stopped in Cookeville to visit Cohen (Watusi) and Joan Oswalt. The first year Watusi
and I cooked up a trip to private game preserve where a small tree-lined pond promised hungry
fish and few people. Watusi had already dusted off his canoe, had it loaded on his pick-up truck
and was ready to go when I arrived. He had grown up a bit since his staff days, and hadn’t been in
the canoe for several years, so our transit to the other side of the lake was a bit shaky and tipsy.
Nevertheless, the crickets attracted the bluegills/bream like wind to a wildfire and we reaped the
rewards of a 40+ fish bonanza. On the way back to his house, he begged off on the prospect of a
fish fry and instead said he planned to plant the remains in his vegetable garden as fertilizer, much
to my chagrin. That evening we treated Joan to a gourmet meal at Le Cracker Barrel.
On a 2012 journey, I flew to Nashville and drove to Cookeville for another OKKPA mini chapter
fishing trip with him to Woods Reservoir in southern Tennessee. Joan prepared us an extravagant
fisherman’s breakfast of sausage, egg and potato casserole before we left. Watusi had arranged for
fishing permits and rented a pontoon boat with motor for our foray into what was purported to be
the crappie capital of the state. This time the forecast was dire and our meager one fish caught
proved monumentally deflating to our fishermen’s egos, after a long drive and four hours of
choppy water. We swallowed our pride and had our joint “mini-chapter” banquet that evening at a
Red Lobster.
Over the years, right up to the past few months we exchanged phone calls and emails on one
subject or another, but the subject of another fishing trip together was a major topic as always. He
and I had miles of laughs, chuckles, and bragging over those trips and the sadness of my friend’s
passing doesn’t diminish the fond memories I have of closeness and sharing. Watusi, all your Kia
Kima brothers miss you, and know that you are casting your line in Heaven’s back yard pond
every chance you get. \
Honeymoon Travels through Cookeville… from John Hurt
Ah, so many contacts and memories with Ozzie at Old Kia Kima. I do have one with Ozzie and
Joan in Cookeville. It was December 29, 2002, when Lynnette and I were on our Honeymoon trip
to Gatlinburg. Ozzie was in the hospital recovering from surgery. He was in good spirits and we
had a good visit with him and Joan.
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Old Kia Kima Smoke Signal
OKK Memory Tributes continued…..
OKK and Cookeville Encounters of a Different Kind …from Roy Riddick
Cohen had many distinctive features, but one – his proboscis – stood out, much, in the summer of 1952, to his
dismay when one dark night (electricity was limited then); he ran into something creating much damage. As
first aid staffer in the hospital, I recall trying to staunch the bleeding, but the injury was way beyond any local
treatment. Cohen had to be taken to Memphis where the specialists worked their magic. His distinctive
feature remained intact.
More recent memories are less traumatic. After leaving the Reunion in September 2013, Carol and I started
our trip to Maine with our route taking us across Kentucky to the Cumberland Falls. The trip plan took us
within driving distance of Cookeville. Starting out in Western Kentucky, I called Cohen to arrange a visit. No
one answered, and I left a message. Several hours later when we were in Kentucky Cohen returned my call.
So we made a quick right turn and headed southeast to Cookeville where we had a pleasant Sunday afternoon
chat with the Oswalt’s. Cohen, who had significant cardiovascular issues, was his usual outgoing self.
Recently I included in my note to Joan the picture of the eight of us; Cohen, Hurt, Buddy, Scotty, David,
Tater, Perry, and me at a mini-reunion in 2005. Joan graciously wrote that she appreciated the picture. We
certainly appreciated him.
Recently discovered in my email waiting box was a December 11, 2014 message from Watusi, sharing a flash
mob scene of the US Air Force Band rendering Jesu –Joy of Our Desiring and Joy to the World at the
National Air Museum, a fitting choral for the season and a reflection of Cohen’s faith and his desire to share
with us. I shall miss him.
Hospitality at its Best… from Ron Tate
Watusi brings to mind many memories I recall back in the mid nineties, not the least of which was when I
was in Muscle Shoals on one of many recording sessions. Alice had gone with me for a couple of weeks. A
day or two before we left Muscle Shoals I called Watusi to inform him that Alice and I had decided to head
due north to Cookeville for a visit with the “Boss” and Joan. When we arrived Joan had made a peach cobbler
(to die for) and we adjourned to the deck out back and had some lengthy and fun discussions about Scouting
in general, Old Kia Kima in particular.
Watusi was in his usual good humor and the entire afternoon was probably one of the most enjoyable
experiences I have had in a couple of years of Sundays. At some point Watusi asked Alice and I if we would
like to have watermelon to take back to Memphis. He then said “I’ll tell you where it is, but you’ll have to go
and get it…I’m not going.” Then he pointed out, way beyond the deck, “Go out there beyond that row of
corn…on the other side of it, you’ll see a patch of watermelons, some squash and other vegetables. Take
your pick.”
I also recall many calls I made to Watusi during the times we have all spent at camp in recent years. Then
the phone was passed around to those present so that Watusi could at least have an opportunity to talk with all
of us, especially since he couldn’t physically be there.
Recalling some of the earlier plans for a possible mini-reunion, as for me, I’d still like to do it. What better
way to toast the life of Watusi. Though he will not physically be there, his spirit certainly would be clearly
felt by all. Scotty has semblance of a plan, replete with cabins, fishing, etc. I’M FOR DOING IT
ANYWAY! We miss you, Watusi! But you’re invited to attend…So there! Tater
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Old Kia Kima Smoke Signal
OKK Memory Tributes continued…..
OKK to Cookeville to Neyland Stadium… from David Fleming
Three years and three days my senior, Watusi first appeared before my 13-year young eyes in August 1951. As a
first year OKK camper, I was in awe of his skyscraping tall, slender build and sage demeanor. Those imagines
would re-surface at the OKKPA 1996 reunion when Watusi again appeared before my eyes – tall, slightly less
slim, and still with that charming all-knowing sage demeanor.
Memories of 1951 also surfaced about his Boy Scouts goodwill tour of southwest befriending Native Americans
in the company of his OKK co-staffers Frank Simonton, Lou Pritchett, David Peters – all four traveling with gear
in a new surplus US Army jeep. It was their 1951 southwest tour that inspired a 2006 Route 66 trek with Roy
Riddick, Ron Tate, Scotty Monteath and me – a goodwill event intended to stir an awareness of the OKKPA
mission and outreach to young Native Americans, which included distributing OKKPA Thunderbird coffee mugs
en route ultimately to OKK (October 2006).
I became a member of the Cook County OKKPA Chapter while en route to Knoxville for a fraternity reunion and
Vol football game. Arriving in a Cookeville during heavy rain, Watusi came to my rescue to guide me to his
home. There was little doubt that Watusi had known about my flunking Pathfinding Merit Badge my first try.
Joan had prepared a potato soup, the delicious likes of which I had never tasted since – mouth-watering as I write
about it
Watusi’s lifelong love and interests in Scouting clearly influenced the founding and evolution of the OKKPA
mission during the past 22+ years. His keen sense of fairness and willingness to listen before offering his sage
counsel are invaluable lessons he offered us. Following in his footsteps of leadership will be easier because he
smoothed the pathway for us. He lives in our hearts and minds as we move OKKPA forward with gratitude for
our beloved Watusi.
(left to right)
Gordon Scotty
Monteath
Roy Larry Latrine
Riddick
Cohen Watusi
Oswalt
on the Old Kia Kima
waterfront
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Old Kia Kima Smoke Signal
OKK WORK/FELLOWSHIP WEEKEND
APRIL 16-19, 2015
Come and bring a friend to the spring work weekend to get Old Kia Kima ready for youth to
experience another year in the outdoors high above the South Fork Waters. There is much
that needs to be done as a result of the hard winter that the area experienced.
You are needed!
Time together will include fellowship, good food and celebrations.
Registration form (following page) will allow for meal planning and work details each day.
Please complete the form and mail to along with payment for meals.
This is also a great time to pay your 2015 dues.
Schedule of events during work weekend
Thursday, April 16 9:00 AM - Work projects begin
Friday, April 17
9:00 AM - The Board of Directors will meet in the
Thunderbird Lodge.
9:00 AM - Work projects begin
Saturday, April 18
9:00 AM - Work projects begin
3:30 PM - A Celebration of Life for Steve Demster in the
Ralph and Martha Jane Chapel
Sunday, April 19
7:45 AM – Vesper service
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Old Kia Kima Smoke Signal
OLD KIA KIMA WORK WEEKEND
April 16-19, 2015
Board Meeting April 17, 9:00 am
You are needed to help with the opening of Old Kia Kima for 2015 and to perform
maintenance for the camp. Please, come and join the fellowship.
PLEASE SUBMIT THIS FORM TO RON NARO BY APRIL 1ST
Name _____________________________________________________________
Street Address ______________________________________________________
City _______________________________ State ____________ Zip ___________
E-mail address _______________________________________________________
Meal reservation
Thursday Lunch $6.00 __________
Thursday Supper $10.00 __________
Friday Lunch $6:00 ___________
Friday Supper $10.00
__________
Saturday Lunch $6.00 __________
Saturday Supper $10.00 __________
Sunday Breakfast Complimentary by OKK
Total Meal Expense __________________
RETURN TO: Ron Naro, 5509 Shasta Lea, Olive Branch, MS 38654
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You Are Needed At the Camp
June 12 – 14. 2015
Cherokee Village will be celebrating its 60th Anniversary this June
and has asked OKKPA to be a part of its celebration. Our Board
voted to help with this project as a way to introduce Old Kia
Kima to the community and to serve the public. They are
expecting six thousand people to be involved. Plenty of activities
are schedule for this weekend. Some are at the camp.
You are needed.
The organizers of the anniversary have made OKK one of the
highlights for its celebration. We have been asked to show off the
camp, participate in a parade in downtown Hardy, provide a
campfire, and serve as a check point during an area scavenger
hunt.
Here are a few things OKKPA will be doing:
Extend hospitality to visitors
Give tours of the camp
Direct parking when visitors are on the camp grounds
Represent OKKPA in marketing booths
March in the parade
Stamp cards of scavenger hunt participants when they find the
camp
Reserve the date. More information is coming.
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Old Kia Kima Smoke Signal
ANNOUNCEMENT
Old Kia Kima Board of Directors Spring 2015 Meeting
Friday, April 17, 2015
9:00 A.M.
Thunderbird Lodge at Old Kia Kima
MEMORIAL GIFTS
Max Ostner
Brooks Gooch
Brooks Gooch
Brooks Gooch
Brooks Gooch
Brooks Gooch
Alan Meierhoefer
George Clarke
David Logan
In memory of Steve Demster
In memory of Steve Horne
In memory of Steve Demster
In memory of Charles McPherson
In memory of Cohen Oswalt
In memory of Juanita Gillespie-Filler
In memory of Steve Horne
In memory of Steve Demster
In memory of Steve Demster
Gifts should be sent to:
Alan Meierhoefer
104 Upper College Terrace
Frederick, MD 21701
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Old Kia Kima Smoke Signal
2015 Membership Dues Form
Name _________________________________________________________________________
Street Address _________________________________________________________________
City ____________________________________ State ______________ Zip ______________
Home Phone _______________________ Business Phone ______________________________
Cell Phone
______________________________
Email ________________________________________________________________________
Dues Category
Patron $500
____________________
Sponsor $300
____________________
Active $100
____________________
Contributing $50
____________________
College student $25
____________________
Mail dues and application to:
Alan Meierhoefer
104 Upper College Ter
Frederick, MD 21701
Make Checks payable to OKKPA
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