Chris Flipse: Editor Jake Carrigan: Chief

70^th Anniversary Banquet

On March 9, 1996, Brothers and family members of the lodge gathered once again at the Kimberton Firehall for Octoraro's 70^th Anniversary Banquet. The dinner was well done as usual, thanks to the Kimberton Firehall staff once again. Shortly after the traditional Vigil door prizes were called out, a series of announcements began. These included a plug for Woodbadge, escorted by a live bagpipe player. This banquet also saw the start of a new fund raiser-"Buy a month." This fund-raiser featured a calendar circling the dining hall, where Brothers could purchase a single month out of the lodge's entire 70 year history. This month then serves as a ticket for a raffle, to be held several times throughout the year.

The highlights of the evening included the presentation of the Founders Awards, which honor those brothers who serve above and beyond the call of duty. "For he who serves his fellows is, of all his fellows, greatest." - E. Urner Goodman, founder of the Order of the Arrow. This year, brothers Andrew J. Smith and Roy Cole were honored with this prestigious award.

The evening also saw the second presentation of the Allouchsit Allogagan, the "Mighty Servant" award. This award is presented to members and non-members of the Lodge who have given many years in service to the Order. These brothers have found the true meaning of cheerful service, and have been honored for their devotion to the ideals of our Order.

After an interesting lesson in the history of Camp Horseshoe, given by Clarke Green, the banquet came to a close with the Vigil Call-Out Ceremony (see article). Eight youth and Eight adults were selected as candidates for the highest degree bestowed by the Order.

Our thanks go to all those who helped to make the Banquet the success it was.

Philmont Trail Trek Once again, Philmont Scout Ranch in new Mexico will be hosting an Order of the Arrow trail crew/trek program. The participants will all be arrowmen from around the country. The two week event includes a week long trail maintenance session, and a week long backcountry trek. For more information, speak to Vice Chief A.J. DiAntonio or Chief Jake Carrigan. Call-Outs If your troop has recently held an election, and has need of an expertly performed Call-Out Ceremony, contact the Lodge's very own call out team! The Chairman, Neil Vaughn, may be reached at (610) 644-6776. Be sure to call at least two weeks prior to when you want your ceremony performed.

Come One, Come All! Attention all Brothers: The NOAC and Section NE4B conclave are just around the corner, and spots are going quickly. If you want to go to the NOAC, the cost is $200 for youth members, and $230 for adults. We still have open spaces for our delegation to NOAC, so sign up now. All money is due in on the first of May, in order to avoid the late fee. This year's NOAC will be held on the grounds of Indiana University, in Bloomington Indiana, from August 11-15, 1996. This year's Section NE4B Conclave will be held on the weekend of June 7th at Ressica Falls. This years' hosting lodge is Delmont 43, a Lodge which will soon cease to exist. There are still a few open spaces, so reserve your spot in the delegation today! Cost for the trip is $20. Anybody wishing to ride the Troop 78 bus to Ressica Falls needs to sign up with Chris Flipse. Spots on the bus are first come, first served, and there will be a small fee to help cover gas. If you have any questions, contact Clee or Kyle Brun at (610) 347-2282. Be sure to reserve your spots in these two great events!

Chief

AJ DiAntonio A.J. DiAntonio is an Eagle Scout from troop 78. He joined scouting in May of 1991, and took his Ordeal in April of 1993. A.J. received his brotherhood membership a year later, in April of 1994. He has served his troop as a Den Chief, Assistant Patrol Leader, and is currently a Patrol Leader. A.J. is currently serving as the Vice-Chief of Program for the Lodge, and has been extremely active since his induction. He has attended two Conclaves, in 1994 and 1995, and has spent a total of nine weeks with his troop at Camp Horseshoe.

Neville Austin II Neville joined scouting in 1991 as a member of Troop 16. He received his Eagle rank in 1994. He has in the past served his troop as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and is currently serving as the Troop Guide. Neville became a member of the Order in April of 1993, and received his brotherhood in April of 1994. He has served the lodge as Administrative Vice Chief for the past two years. Since becoming a member, Neville has attended three Conclaves and one NOAC, and has trekked in Philmont.

Vice-Chief

"There are two Vice-Chiefs, Administrative and Program. The Administrative Vice-Chief is in charge of the following committees: Unit Elections, Projects, Ordeal, Where to Go Camping and Ceremonies. The Program Vice Chief is responsible for the committees of: Winter Camp Staff, Conventions, Program Development, and Nominations. Both Vice-chiefs make sure that each committee does its job and is responsible for that committee, should it not perform. Both Vice-Chiefs are responsible for the duties of the Chief when the Chief is absent…"

Richard "Stick" Smith Richard Smith is an Eagle Scout with a Gold Palm in Troop 2. He has been in scouting since 1989, and has served his troop as Den Chief, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. He has also held the positions of Bugler, Troop Quartermaster, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster and is currently an Assistant Scoutmaster. Richard obtained his Ordeal Membership in September of 1991, and received his Brotherhood in June of 1992. This past summer, Richard was accepted into the Vigil Honor. Richard has served the Lodge as an Assistant Brotherhood Chairman in 1992, and as Brotherhood Chairman since 1993. Richard served as Campcraft Director at Camp Ware last summer, and will be returning again this year. He worked on the 1995 Council JLT staff, and has attended two conclaves and two NOACs, and will be attending both again this year.

John Callahan John has been active in Scouting with Troop 16, where is an Eagle Scout. John served his troop in many leadership capacities, including Senior Patrol Leader. John has served several years on camp staff at Camp Horseshoe in the Nature Department. He is returning to Horseshoe staff this year as the Assistaint Nature Director and as the Camp Chaplain. In addition to serving two years as our Projects Chairman, John has participated in the summer camp Call Out Team and is a Vigil Honor Candidate.

Corresponding Secretary "…His responsibility includes all aspects of published communication among the lodges. He is responsible for the publication of the newsletter, as well as any pamphlets, thank-you notes or other letters…" Chris Flipse A life scout in Troop 78, Chris currently serves his troop as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Since joining his troop in 1990, he has served as Den Chief, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Troop Quartermaster. Chris obtained his ordeal membership in April of 1992, and reached brotherhood a year later. He was accepted into the ranks of the Vigil Honor last July. Since his induction, he has served the lodge in several capacities, including Special Projects Chairman and Call-Out Chairman. He is currently serving in his second term as Corresponding Secretary. Chris has attended all of the lodge banquets since his ordeal, and all but one of the Lodge work weekends. He has attended every Conclave since his induction, and will be attending NOAC this year. He has served two years on staff at Camp Horseshoe, and will be working again this summer. Youth Trustee "…He is responsible for the Lodge building-maintaining it and all outside use of it. He is also responsible for all equipment owned or used by the Lodge…" Neil Vaughn Neil is a member of Troop 78. Neil has served his troop as a Assistant Patrol Leader and Patrol Leader since joining in 1989. He is currently serving his troop as a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. Neil received his Ordeal in April of 1993, and took his Brotherhood a year later. He has served the lodge as Nominations Chairman, Unit-Elections Chairman for Diamond Rock, and Call-Out Chairman. Neil has attended the 1994 NOAC, and the 1993 and 1994 Conclave. Neil has worked for two years on the staff of Camp Nobebosco in New Jersey.

Treasurer "…He keeps accurate records of Lodge inventories, insignia, emblems and supplies. He arranges for the payment of bills, and maintains financial records…" Josh Thresher Josh is an Eagle Scout with Troop 149. Since joining scouts in 1991, he has served his troop as a Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, Quartermaster and Instructor. Josh Took his ordeal in September of 1992, and received his brotherhood in June of 1993. He was recently called out for membership in the Vigil Honor. Since his induction, he has attended three Conclaves with the Lodge, and has served as an Assistant Brotherhood Chairman, and is currently serving his second year as treasurer. Recording Secretary "…This secretary's duties include keeping accurate and simple minutes of meetings, as well as keeping track of Lodge attendance…" Tim Zupko Tim Zupko is a Star Scout in Troop 78. Tim has served his troop as Den Chief, Assistant Patrol Leader, and is currently a Patrol Leader. Tim took his Ordeal in April of 1993, and was accepted into Brotherhood in April of 1994. Since his induction, he has traveled with the lodge to two conclaves, and has served as Recording Secretary this past year.