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. Members of the committee were:
From Tankiteke Lodge 313: Bill Chin (Lodge Chief), Steve Cruzan (Lodge Vice Chief Administration), Patrick Sasser (Lodge Vice Chief Program), Nick Bohnsack (Training Chairman), Mark Barney (Pequot Chapter Chief), Bruce Malloy (Past Lodge Chief), and Mr. Bill Fromm (Lodge Adviser).
From Arcoon Lodge 369: David Applegate (Lodge Chief), Jim Christensen (Lodge Vice Chief Camp Promotion), Jeff Berkowitz (Past Lodge Vice Chief Camp Promotion), Brian Harwood (Color Guard Chairman), Eric Boehm (Ceremonies Chairman), Chris Morris (Past Lodge Chief), and Mr. Art Lobdell (Staff Adviser).
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 to 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 elected at that time. Garland Jackson was elected Lodge Chief. Chapters remained the same within the Lodge to make a total of seven: Achewon (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, III 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, III 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 retired as Lodge Adviser 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, Bob Kravecs, III was elected to serve as the 2003-2004 Section Chief and Kevin Sylvester was elected as Section Secretary. The Lodge also organized a work party to pain the Council office. 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 presented with 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. Owaneco Lodge again earned the National Quality Lodge Award for 2003.
In June of 2004, Kevin Sylvester was elected to serve as Lodge Chief. Kevin chose 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 in the Group Dance Competition. Several members competed in the individual dance competitions. Daniel Fagan placed in the top ten nationally in the Fancy Dance competition allowing him to dance at the NOAC Native American show. The singing team composed of Tyler White, Russell Olsen, Daniel Velazquez, and David Pabis placed second in the nation in the Northern Style Drum Competition. Owaneco Lodge also took first place in the National Ultimate Frisbee competition. The ceremonies team comprised of Kevin Sylvester, Charles Johnson, Sean Murphy, and David Chick, Jr. were awarded National “Honor” status for their performance in the Pre-Ordeal ceremony. In August, Owaneco attended the 2004 Section 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 Kevin Sylvester and Mr. Robert Anstett. The James E. West Fellowship Award was presented to Edward Wolf Jr. for improving Lodge and Section communications. The 2004 year concluded by improving chapter involvement, service to the community, and assisting the Council as they prepared for the National Jamboree. Another National Quality Lodge Award was earned in 2004.
In June of 2005, Charles Johnson was elected Lodge Chief and Mr. David Chick was appointed Lodge Adviser. 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 Lodge 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. At the 2005 Winter Banquet, Ed Wolf Jr. and Mr. Bill Chin were presented with the Founder’s Award. Mr. Chris Fagan, for his years of service as Dance Team Adviser, was given the James E. West Award. Again, the Lodge earned National Quality Lodge in 2005. In the spring of 2006, the Lodge also supported help service the Council’s Extravaganza event, strengthening Council and Lodge relations.
Andrew Vill was elected Lodge Chief in June of 2006 and chose the theme "We Are the Present, They Are the Future." Andrew's goals were to improve Executive Committee accountability and improve the quality of Lodge events. During Andrew's term, the Lodge started an annual Spring Picnic to serve as a fellowship activity and a kick-off for the Ordeal season. In the summer of 2006, the Lodge sent a contingent to NOAC. Held in East Lansing Michigan on the campus of Michigan State University, 42 brothers and 5 staff members attended the largest national conference in OA history. The Lodge’s Ultimate Frisbee team defended its title and repeated as National Champions. At the 2006 Winter Banquet, Ryan Murphy and Mr. Robert Emerson were presented the Founder's Award. Mr. David Lewis was presented the James E. West Award for his continual service to the Dance Team and Achewon Chapter. The Lodge was awarded the 2006 National Service Grant for the refurbishment of the Hoyt Training Cabin.
In June of 2007, Scott Backer was elected Lodge Chief. On the adult side, Mr. Bill Chin was appointed as Lodge Adviser. “Be, Know, Do" was chosen by Scott to guide the Lodge during his term. Scott's term focused on inter-chapter activities and preparing for the Lodge’s 10th Anniversary. During Scott's term, the Lodge supported the Council's can tab collection effort to support Habitat for Humanity. A redesigned Lodge webpage was launched and an online Unit Elections system was created to allow Troops to schedule elections. In the summer of 2007, the Lodge sent a small, yet enthusiastic contingent to the National Conservation and Leadership Summit. The contingent was comprised of 5 youth, 2 adults and 2 staff. At the Section Conclave, Chris McCloskey was elected to the position of Section Secretary. At the 2007 Winter Banquet, Zachariah Silver and Mr. Chuck Figlar were presented the Founder's Award. Mr. David Chick Sr. was presented the James E. West award for his service as Lodge Adviser. Owaneco Lodge achieved the National Quality Lodge Award for 2007.
In June of 2008, Christopher McCloskey was elected Lodge Chief. With the Lodge’s 10th Anniversary in mind, Chris selected the theme “Looking to the Past, Preparing the Future” for the year. Chris’ goals included building strength among the Lodge Committees, writing a Lodge Plan Book, improving the Unit Elections process, and celebrating the Lodge's 10th Anniversary. In the summer, Owaneco Lodge participated in ArrowCorps5. Owaneco Lodge was recognized as an ArrowCorps5 Trailblazer by sending a total of 32 participants to the program. Our contingent was among top ten contingent sizes nationally. The Lodge sent a contingent of 31 members (19 youth/9 adults/2 staff) to the project at Bridger-Teton National Forest. Lodge members also participated in the Manti-La Sal National Forest project (1 staff) and Mark Twain National Forest (1 participant). At the Section Conclave, Christopher McCloskey was elected t serve as Section Vice Chief. After the Section realignment, he was appointed to the position of Acting Section Chief to fill the vacant position. In October, the Lodge celebrated its 10th Anniversary at a large Fellowship at Deer Lake. A new an online event registration system was added to the Lodge webpage. At the annual Winter Banquet, Mr. Robert Cloutier was presented with the Founder’s Award for his dedicated service as Membership Adviser. Christopher McCloskey was presented with the James E. West Award for his leadership as the ArrowCorps5 Contingent Coordinator. Owaneco Lodge also earned the National Quality Lodge Award for 2008. In May of 2009, the Lodge coordinated two major program areas in support of the Council’s ConnJam event. The Dance Team organized an Indian Village and the Lodge organized a show called “The Echo Project.” The Echo Project was an original production that highlighted important events from Scouting’s past and challenged participants to write the next chapters in Scouting’s future.
Andrew McCloskey was elected as Lodge Chief in June of 2009. Andrew’s goals include supporting and promoting OA High Adventure and preparing to host the 2010 Section NE-2A Conclave. In June at the Section Conclave, Christopher McCloskey was elected to the position of Section Chief. In the summer of 2009, 58 members (31 youth/20 adults/7 staff) will attend the National Order of the Arrow Conference at Indiana University.