Thank you to Curly and Sheryl Syndergaard for all their time and efforts in putting together the Cedar City Cowboy Gathering.

The minutes from the meeting held February 19, 2006 in Moab were reviewed and approved as written.

April is National Cowboy Poetry Month, with April 16-23 designated as Cowboy Poetry

Week in Utah. On April 7 the Cowboy Poetry Proclamation will be signed by Governor Huntsman with CPU officers and Board members in attendance to witness the signing. A big thank you to Paul Kern for his assistance in arranging the meeting with the Governor.

Members were asked to submit articles and pictures to JoLynne Kirkwood and Val Carter for the newsletter and the website. JoLynne can be contacted at jo@seviervalleyroundup.com or jolynne.kirkwood@sevier.k12.ut.us ; Val can be contacted at vcarter@utah.gov.

Reviewed plans for a CPU gathering the last weekend in September in Lehi. Val suggested that we involve the WMA as well, with an open mic format that would allow everyone a chance to participate. Val will check with Lehi City to see what dates are available.

Discussion was held regarding gatherings around the State. Doug Keller suggested that a gathering be held in St. George. Kenny Hall said that the Mesquite Arts Council would like to host a gathering for poets and musicians. Smoke Wade stated he will be moving to Mesquite next year and would be interested putting together a gathering there.

Jerry "Brooksie" Brooks suggested that CPU sponsor an evening to honor Colin Sweeten and Yula Sue Hunting. They have been involved with cowboy poetry for many years and have influenced many poets. After discussion, it was decided to hold an event to honor Colin on April 22 in Payson. Val will speak with Marion Manwell about a place in Payson, and the CPU Board and Executive Committee will be in charge of the event.

Val brought the new CPU banner that will be displayed at this gathering as well as future events. Byrd Woodward suggested that the CPU sign be displayed at county fairs with members available to answer questions and provide applications to sign up.

Val suggested that the website could be used to list members’ contact information. If members would like their contact information posted on the website, please e-mail Val at vcarter@utah.gov.

JoLynne proposed that the CPU organizing meeting scheduled for April 8 in Payson be postponed until possibly May. Another date was not set at this time.

Brooksie offered to have a CPU summer party at her home on July 22. More details will follow.

Bill Gubler has been approached by the National Abilities Center in Park City to hold a gathering there in conjunction with the Equestrian Special Olympics. Everyone was in favor of helping with the event.

Upcoming Events:

• April National Cowboy Poetry Month
• April 7 Cowboy Poetry Proclamation signed with Governor Huntsman.
• April 22 CPU poetry week event in Payson under the direction of JoLynne Kirkwood
• April 26 Gathering at the Triple C in Panguitch under the direction of Kenny Hall
• April 29 Orrin Porter Rockwell Gathering in Brigham City
• June 16 Elsinore Days
• June 22 Lehi Round Up
• July 22 CPU Summer Party