Ani-Lati Chapter Dinner 2003
The Ani-lati Chapter held the annual fall, Italian theme, covered dish dinner on Sunday evening September 14,2003 at the La Porte Community Church. The purpose of this dinner is to welcome the members who did their Ordeal during the current year and to recognize chapter members for accomplishments during the preceding year. Family members of Arrowmen are encouraged to attend this event. This event was started in 1992 by Chapter Chief Sam McJunkin Jr. and Chapter Adviser Steve Willis and has become an annual event. Attendance this year was 65 Arrowmen and family members. This is less than past years but was still a great evening for those in attendance. There was plenty of good food and dessert. Some had two or three plates full. Every youth went home with an arm load of door prizes that included back packs, T-shirts, patches, cameras, first aid kits, various other Scouting equipment, and the much coveted yo-yo. Every adult should have left with a coffee mug and or hat.
The Chapter Chief, John Pearce, presented awards to several youth that had helped him throughout the year. The Chapter Adviser, Dr. Jim Cooper, gave the same to adults that had helped him throughout the year. The Outstanding Adult of the Year Award was presented to John Eaton by last year's recipient Jerry McNeil. A Member Long Term Service Award was presented by Steve Willis to Diane Slaughter for continuous service of 10 years or more in the chapter.
Steve Willis announced a new award for youth that have earned the rank of Eagle Scout while in the Bayshore District and been selected as Vigil Honor members of the Order of the Arrow while in Ani-Lati Chapter. By next year's dinner we should have the research done to determine the recipients that have qualified in the past and have the award in place. Next year's dinner should be exciting with the presentation of this award. Maybe we can meet some of the past members and get them to share some stories with us. Plan to attend next year! It should be a fun evening.