Lodge History
When the Connecticut Yankee Council was formed in January 1998, OA members from the two former Council Lodges (Tankiteke 313 and Arcoon 369) formed a lodge steering committee. A total of six meetings were needed to complete the merger between the two Lodges. At their first meeting on February 14, 1998, basic structure of the Lodge was discussed and another meeting was scheduled for March 22. During the second meeting, the committee focused on Committee responsibilities. The third meeting (May 4) the committee made plans for a joint June Ordeal and briefly discussed bylaws and Lodge names. A name was agreed upon during the fourth meeting (August 14) where the committee decided that there would be one Fellowship instead of two separate ones. Bylaws were also written and finalized. At the fifth meeting (August 23), the committee planned the Fall Fellowship and discussed what events the new Lodge would hold. During the final meeting (September 20), the committee made finishing touches on the Fellowship plans.
The 1998 Fall Fellowship “In the Morning of a New Day” would serve to be the first event as one Lodge. During the weekend, members of both Lodges enjoyed food, fun, games, fellowship, and brotherhood. On Sunday October 4, 1998, Owaneco Lodge 313 was born. This historic event took place during the first Lodge meeting where the Lodge membership approved the Lodge Name, Number, and Bylaws. The first group of Lodge Officers were also selected at that time. Garland Jackson was elected Lodge Chief. Chapters remained the same within the Lodge to make a total of seven: Aschewon (Sleeping Giant District), Keewayden (Lighthouse District), Ockenuck (Wepawaug Valley District), Pequot (Nutmeg District), Powahay (Powahay District), Saganaw (Saganaw District), and Scatacook (Scatacook District).
During the Lodge’s first year the Executive Committee worked to mold the new Lodge program. Several changes were made by the Lodge’s Executive Committee to combine the traditions of Tankiteke and Arcoon and adapt a new Lodge program. It was also during 1998 when Ockenuck Chapter re-named itself to the Arcoon Chapter. On the Section level, Jeff Berkowitz was elected as the Section NE-3A Vice Chief and Adam Fromm was elected as the Section Secretary. Jeff later finished the year as the Section Chief when the position became vacant.
The 1999-2000 Lodge year began with the election of Eric Boehm to the position of Lodge Chief at the 1999 June Ordeal. Mr. Ralph Deer also replaced Mr. Bill Fromm as the Lodge Adviser. The Lodge continued to sharpen and make changes to the Lodge program. At the Section NE-3A Conclave, Bill Chin was elected as the Section Vice Chief. The Lodge sent two youths and an adult to the first ever National Leadership Summit at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. Lodge Chiefs and other youth officers from all across the country met to discuss and plan the National Order of the Arrow program. Bill Chin also attended the event and represented the Section. During the year, seven Chapters became six when Pequot (Nutmeg) and Saganaw (Saganaw) combined to form the new Chief Pomperaug Chapter (Pomperaug District). It was also during the 1999 year that Owaneco Lodge achieved “Honor Lodge” for the first time in its short history.
In the 2000-2001 Lodge year, Damien Becroft was selected to serve as Lodge Chief at the June Ordeal. In the summer of 2000, the Lodge went to its first National Order of the Arrow Conference at the University of Tennessee. The Lodge sent a spirited contingent of 16 youth, 6 adults, and 3 youth staff members to the Conference. The Ceremonies Team comprised of Mike McCann, Bob Kravecs, Michael Card, and Rob Emerson was awarded National “Honor” status for their performance in the Pre-Ordeal Ceremony. Bill Chin was also awarded “Honor” status for his performance in the Vigil Honor Ceremony. Later in the year, the Lodge donated $7500 for the construction of new latrines at Camp Sequassen. The Executive Committee also decided to switch the Fall Fellowship and May Ordeal weekends. This switch was made in order to give Ordeal candidates more time to prepare for their Ordeal weekend after their Call Out ceremony during the Spring Camporees. The Lodge’s first Spring Fellowship weekend was held in May of 2001.
The 2001-2002 Lodge year saw the election of Bob Kravecs as Owaneco’s forth Lodge Chief. The phrase, “Catch the Higher Vision,” was chosen as the theme for the year. The Lodge focused on increasing active membership and improving Lodge events. In addition the Lodge Officers worked to strengthen the core committees of the Lodge. The Lodge sent its first contingent to a National Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill.
In June of 2002, Bob Kravecs was re-elected as Lodge Chief, making him the Lodge’s first multiple term Lodge Chief. The theme, “For He Who Serves His Fellows is of All His Fellows Greatest,” was selected as the theme for the year. The Lodge focused on building the Chapter and Lodge program, increasing Brotherhood conversion, and giving financial support to the Council. In the summer of 2002, a contingent of 13 youth, 5 adults, 4 youth staff, and 3 adult staff members went to the campus of Indiana University for the National Order of the Arrow Conference. Several awards and recognitions were presented at the Winter Banquet. James E. West Fellowships were given to Michael Card for his work on the lodge website and Mr. Robert Cloutier for revamping the membership committee. The Founders’ Award was also bestowed upon Bob Kravecs III and Mr. Ralph Deer for their exceptional service. The Lodge also attained Honor Lodge status for the first time in its short history.
Robert Anstett was elected as Lodge Chief at the June 2003 Lodge Business Meeting. Robert’s leadership redeveloped Owaneco and brought the organization “Onward and Upward” as the Lodge celebrated the 5th Anniversary. At the June 2003 Ordeal, Mr. Ralph Deer stepped down as Lodge Advisor after 4 years of service in that position. Mr. Mark Clark was announced as his replacement. In the summer of 2003, a contingent of 6 youth, 5 adults, and 2 youth staff traveled to North Carolina for Indian Summer. Also in the Summer of 2003, Owaneco implemented its “OA Day” program at Camp Sequassen resident camp. This program increased brotherhood conversion and raised significant funds for both the lodge and camp. Shortly after, Owaneco dazzled Section NE-2C as they hosted a “Lights, Camera, Conclave” weekend. Michael Card served as Conclave Coordinator and brought Owaneco together to provide unprecedented program, activities, and shows to the section. At the conclave, former lodge chief Bob Kravecs was elected to serve as the 2005-2004 Section Chief and Kevin Sylvester to serve as Section Secretary. The Lodge also undertook the responsibility of painted the council office, which provided an opportunity to directly serve the council. At the 2003 Winter Banquet the Founder’s Award was present to Dr. Robert Kravecs Jr. and Michael Card. Brian Golrick and Kevin Sylvester were given the James E. West Fellowship Award for implementing the OA Day program at Camp Sequassen. Robert’s term as Lodge Chief proved to be successful as he brought the lodge closer with the Council.
In June of 2004, Kevin Sylvester was elected to serve as Lodge Chief. Kevin choose the phrase “Continue Faithfully to Serve” for the theme of the year. In the summer of 2004, Owaneco sent its largest contingent to NOAC at Iowa State University in Ames, IA comprised of 25 youth, 20 adults, 3 youth staffers, and 4 adult staffers. Owaneco’s “Quinnipiac Dancers” placed third nationally as they competed in the group competition. Daniel Fagan also competed in the Fancy Dance Individual Dance competition and placed in the top ten nationally, allowing him to dance at the NOAC Native American show The lodge singing group composed of Tyler White, Russel Olsen, Daniel Velazquez, and David Pabist placed second nationally in the Northern Style Drum Competition. As a lodge, Owaneco came away NOAC as first place winners in the National Frisbee competition. The ceremonies team comprised of David Chick , Charles Johnson, Sean Murphy, and Kevin Sylvester were awarded National “Honor” status for their performance in the Pre-Ordeal ceremony. In August, Owaneco attended the 2004 Conclave where Kevin Sylvester was elected to serve as Section Chief and John Chick was charged to serve as Section Vice-Chief. In accordance with the Field Operations Guide, Kevin resigned as Lodge Chief and Drew Sansevero was chosen to serve the remainder of the term. At the 2004 Winter Banquet, the Founder’s Award was presented to Robert Anstett and Kevin Sylvester. The James E. West Fellowship Award was presented to Edward Wolf Jr. for improving lodge and section communication. The 2004 year concluded by improving chapter involvement, service to the community, and assisting the Council as they prepare for the National Jamboree.
In June of 2005, Charles Johnson was elected Lodge Chief and Mr. David Chick was appointed Lodge Advisor. Charlie and Dave worked to strengthen the Lodge Executive Committee and improve service to the council camps. In 2005, Owaneco introduced an Officer’s Retreat weekend to its program to better build the team of officers. In the summer, the Lodge sent its second contingent to the National Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill. On the Section level, Kevin Sylvester was re-elected Section Chief for a second term. During Charlie’s term, the Lodge also supported help service the Council’s Extravaganza event, strengthening Council and Lodge relations. At the 2005 Winter Banquet, Ed Wolf Jr. and Bill Chin was presented the Founder’s Award. Chris Fagan, for his years of service as dance team advisor, was given the James E. West Award.
During the 2006 Business Meeting, Andrew Vill was elected to serve as Lodge Chief. Andy’s goals for their include community service projects, Executive Committee accountability, and improving lodge events.
The 1998 Fall Fellowship “In the Morning of a New Day” would serve to be the first event as one Lodge. During the weekend, members of both Lodges enjoyed food, fun, games, fellowship, and brotherhood. On Sunday October 4, 1998, Owaneco Lodge 313 was born. This historic event took place during the first Lodge meeting where the Lodge membership approved the Lodge Name, Number, and Bylaws. The first group of Lodge Officers were also selected at that time. Garland Jackson was elected Lodge Chief. Chapters remained the same within the Lodge to make a total of seven: Aschewon (Sleeping Giant District), Keewayden (Lighthouse District), Ockenuck (Wepawaug Valley District), Pequot (Nutmeg District), Powahay (Powahay District), Saganaw (Saganaw District), and Scatacook (Scatacook District).
During the Lodge’s first year the Executive Committee worked to mold the new Lodge program. Several changes were made by the Lodge’s Executive Committee to combine the traditions of Tankiteke and Arcoon and adapt a new Lodge program. It was also during 1998 when Ockenuck Chapter re-named itself to the Arcoon Chapter. On the Section level, Jeff Berkowitz was elected as the Section NE-3A Vice Chief and Adam Fromm was elected as the Section Secretary. Jeff later finished the year as the Section Chief when the position became vacant.
The 1999-2000 Lodge year began with the election of Eric Boehm to the position of Lodge Chief at the 1999 June Ordeal. Mr. Ralph Deer also replaced Mr. Bill Fromm as the Lodge Adviser. The Lodge continued to sharpen and make changes to the Lodge program. At the Section NE-3A Conclave, Bill Chin was elected as the Section Vice Chief. The Lodge sent two youths and an adult to the first ever National Leadership Summit at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. Lodge Chiefs and other youth officers from all across the country met to discuss and plan the National Order of the Arrow program. Bill Chin also attended the event and represented the Section. During the year, seven Chapters became six when Pequot (Nutmeg) and Saganaw (Saganaw) combined to form the new Chief Pomperaug Chapter (Pomperaug District). It was also during the 1999 year that Owaneco Lodge achieved “Honor Lodge” for the first time in its short history.
In the 2000-2001 Lodge year, Damien Becroft was selected to serve as Lodge Chief at the June Ordeal. In the summer of 2000, the Lodge went to its first National Order of the Arrow Conference at the University of Tennessee. The Lodge sent a spirited contingent of 16 youth, 6 adults, and 3 youth staff members to the Conference. The Ceremonies Team comprised of Mike McCann, Bob Kravecs, Michael Card, and Rob Emerson was awarded National “Honor” status for their performance in the Pre-Ordeal Ceremony. Bill Chin was also awarded “Honor” status for his performance in the Vigil Honor Ceremony. Later in the year, the Lodge donated $7500 for the construction of new latrines at Camp Sequassen. The Executive Committee also decided to switch the Fall Fellowship and May Ordeal weekends. This switch was made in order to give Ordeal candidates more time to prepare for their Ordeal weekend after their Call Out ceremony during the Spring Camporees. The Lodge’s first Spring Fellowship weekend was held in May of 2001.
The 2001-2002 Lodge year saw the election of Bob Kravecs as Owaneco’s forth Lodge Chief. The phrase, “Catch the Higher Vision,” was chosen as the theme for the year. The Lodge focused on increasing active membership and improving Lodge events. In addition the Lodge Officers worked to strengthen the core committees of the Lodge. The Lodge sent its first contingent to a National Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill.
In June of 2002, Bob Kravecs was re-elected as Lodge Chief, making him the Lodge’s first multiple term Lodge Chief. The theme, “For He Who Serves His Fellows is of All His Fellows Greatest,” was selected as the theme for the year. The Lodge focused on building the Chapter and Lodge program, increasing Brotherhood conversion, and giving financial support to the Council. In the summer of 2002, a contingent of 13 youth, 5 adults, 4 youth staff, and 3 adult staff members went to the campus of Indiana University for the National Order of the Arrow Conference. Several awards and recognitions were presented at the Winter Banquet. James E. West Fellowships were given to Michael Card for his work on the lodge website and Mr. Robert Cloutier for revamping the membership committee. The Founders’ Award was also bestowed upon Bob Kravecs III and Mr. Ralph Deer for their exceptional service. The Lodge also attained Honor Lodge status for the first time in its short history.
Robert Anstett was elected as Lodge Chief at the June 2003 Lodge Business Meeting. Robert’s leadership redeveloped Owaneco and brought the organization “Onward and Upward” as the Lodge celebrated the 5th Anniversary. At the June 2003 Ordeal, Mr. Ralph Deer stepped down as Lodge Advisor after 4 years of service in that position. Mr. Mark Clark was announced as his replacement. In the summer of 2003, a contingent of 6 youth, 5 adults, and 2 youth staff traveled to North Carolina for Indian Summer. Also in the Summer of 2003, Owaneco implemented its “OA Day” program at Camp Sequassen resident camp. This program increased brotherhood conversion and raised significant funds for both the lodge and camp. Shortly after, Owaneco dazzled Section NE-2C as they hosted a “Lights, Camera, Conclave” weekend. Michael Card served as Conclave Coordinator and brought Owaneco together to provide unprecedented program, activities, and shows to the section. At the conclave, former lodge chief Bob Kravecs was elected to serve as the 2005-2004 Section Chief and Kevin Sylvester to serve as Section Secretary. The Lodge also undertook the responsibility of painted the council office, which provided an opportunity to directly serve the council. At the 2003 Winter Banquet the Founder’s Award was present to Dr. Robert Kravecs Jr. and Michael Card. Brian Golrick and Kevin Sylvester were given the James E. West Fellowship Award for implementing the OA Day program at Camp Sequassen. Robert’s term as Lodge Chief proved to be successful as he brought the lodge closer with the Council.
In June of 2004, Kevin Sylvester was elected to serve as Lodge Chief. Kevin choose the phrase “Continue Faithfully to Serve” for the theme of the year. In the summer of 2004, Owaneco sent its largest contingent to NOAC at Iowa State University in Ames, IA comprised of 25 youth, 20 adults, 3 youth staffers, and 4 adult staffers. Owaneco’s “Quinnipiac Dancers” placed third nationally as they competed in the group competition. Daniel Fagan also competed in the Fancy Dance Individual Dance competition and placed in the top ten nationally, allowing him to dance at the NOAC Native American show The lodge singing group composed of Tyler White, Russel Olsen, Daniel Velazquez, and David Pabist placed second nationally in the Northern Style Drum Competition. As a lodge, Owaneco came away NOAC as first place winners in the National Frisbee competition. The ceremonies team comprised of David Chick , Charles Johnson, Sean Murphy, and Kevin Sylvester were awarded National “Honor” status for their performance in the Pre-Ordeal ceremony. In August, Owaneco attended the 2004 Conclave where Kevin Sylvester was elected to serve as Section Chief and John Chick was charged to serve as Section Vice-Chief. In accordance with the Field Operations Guide, Kevin resigned as Lodge Chief and Drew Sansevero was chosen to serve the remainder of the term. At the 2004 Winter Banquet, the Founder’s Award was presented to Robert Anstett and Kevin Sylvester. The James E. West Fellowship Award was presented to Edward Wolf Jr. for improving lodge and section communication. The 2004 year concluded by improving chapter involvement, service to the community, and assisting the Council as they prepare for the National Jamboree.
In June of 2005, Charles Johnson was elected Lodge Chief and Mr. David Chick was appointed Lodge Advisor. Charlie and Dave worked to strengthen the Lodge Executive Committee and improve service to the council camps. In 2005, Owaneco introduced an Officer’s Retreat weekend to its program to better build the team of officers. In the summer, the Lodge sent its second contingent to the National Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill. On the Section level, Kevin Sylvester was re-elected Section Chief for a second term. During Charlie’s term, the Lodge also supported help service the Council’s Extravaganza event, strengthening Council and Lodge relations. At the 2005 Winter Banquet, Ed Wolf Jr. and Bill Chin was presented the Founder’s Award. Chris Fagan, for his years of service as dance team advisor, was given the James E. West Award.
During the 2006 Business Meeting, Andrew Vill was elected to serve as Lodge Chief. Andy’s goals for their include community service projects, Executive Committee accountability, and improving lodge events.