bsarrow 1-10-2004

Did you hear that LOUD noise last night??? The screaming, yelling, clapping, and cheering??? In case you had the TV up too loud, and couldn't quite make out what the yells were about, it was the 2003 Annual OA Banquet, attended by about 40 members from Bayshore (Ani-Lati) Chapter. And why were they yelling so much??

As far as can be determined, this is the first time in our Lodge's history that a single Chapter has taken home both awards in the same year. In addition, our three new Vigil members received their Vigil Certificates. A great big round of applause was also in order for Sonny Moak and John Eaton, who received Colonneh Numbered Certificates for all their hard work and dedication, not only for our chapter, but for the benefit of the entire Lodge. Also, three Ani-Lati members received the coveted Native American Committee "black jacket" worn by members of the Committee.

Several youth were inducted into ceremony and dance clans, and several more received Arromen Achievement Awards. One of our members was "surprised" to hear he was announced to be one of the 2004 Lodge officers (see P.S. below). Not too shabby for one of the modest sized Chapters in the council.

The next time you bump into one of our Chapter officers, be sure and ask which committee you can join to be part of the team. Even though we are understandably proud of a record breaking year, we need to do even more in 2004 and we need your help to succeed. We had a tremendous effort by Nelson and several others to convert more members to Brotherhood status, and we want that effort to continue into the coming year(s). It is important for you that have become Brotherhood members to share your experience by encouraging all eligible members to become part of the Brotherhood as well.

We also have several opportunities coming up in the next few months. We have been asked to help set up some events for the District Camporee, and we need to increase our support of District events, such as Webelos Woods. In the words of Allowat Sakima given to you at your Ordeal ceremony, "the ones who chose you need you. Who among you now is ready? Who will go upon this journey? You must chose."

We hope to see every Arrowman at the Sunday Chapter meeting on Jan 11th. Please check the website http://www.ani-lati.org/ for specific details about the Workshop and dutch oven cooking. We have several entries for cooking that have been submitted and we have chili, berry cobbler, and soup already planned. Please get with the guys in your troop and plan to bring a dutch oven and the fixins to make something tasty. Also, bring a copy of the recipe and we can later post them to the mail list. Also, if you are Brotherhood eligible, we plan to have a Brotherhood ceremony during the meeting, so don't forget to ask about sealing your membership in the Order while you are there.

Thanks to all the Arrowmen (and Arrowwomen) who have worked so hard to bring long deserved recognition to our Chapter. Let's see what we can do in '04 :-) :-)