Report for Sunday, July 30, 2000

The second day of the conference was a tremendous success. Starting with breakfast, including training sessions and additional trips to the trading post, and finally ending with the opening show, Shu-Shu-Gah continued to thrive at the 2000 National Order of the Arrow Conference.

Colin attended the National Council of Chiefs meeting along with Tom Lemme, and the rest of the Chiefs and Advisers from the Northeast Region. There, they were able to exchange lots of ideas and plans for the future of the Order. Breakout sessions were held to address the different strengths and weaknesses each possesses, and ways to improve future operations. They were even given a PATCH!

Phil attended a training session on Successful Chapters, and learned about creating chapter plans to improve the chapter operations for Shu-Shu-Gah. Throughout the day he traded patches, and met many new people.

Josh F. and Phil C.

Mark Amatrucola, Michael P., Vinny G.

Both Anthonys (C. and P.) attended the Publications training session, learning a great deal of information about creating effective publications. Ian and Mark attended "Staging the Vigil" which was quite informative.

In accordance with the twelfth point of the Scout Law (A Scout is Reverent) the entire Contingent attended Mass today. In and of itself, it was an inspiring event - to worship with brothers from across the nation, speaking the same words, and believing in the same values.

The event of the evening was the first of the NOAC 2000 Shows - the Opening Show. In the past, the Shows have often been the highlight of the entire conference. After some welcoming words from the National Chief and Vice-Chief, the entire arena recited the OA Obligation, and saluted during the National Anthem. It was EXCELLENT! For the parade of flaps, Tim F. showed Shu-Shu-Gah proud as he carried the 5'x3' wooden Shu-Shu-Gah Lodge Flap through the arena along with those of every other Lodge present. The theme for the conference "Bound in Brotherhood, Led by the Spirit" was explored and explained, and the chairman of the National OA Committee addressed the group. All in all, it was a great start for the conference.

Carey Mignerey, National Chief

Carey Mignerey

The National Officers

Brad Haddock National OA Committee Chairman

The Parade of Flaps

Stu Nemkowitz Lodge Adviser (very poor photo)

Well, we finally caught sight of the Lodge Adviser this evening - tonight, after two full days of conference activity. For the opening show, the contingent was lucky enough to be seated on the floor of the arena in the fifth and sixth rows. Great seats for a great show! Afterwards, we waited around to avoid the traffic and to hopefully catch a glimpse of our long lost friend. Sure enough, Stu wandered by, and we all called to him at the top of our lungs, but to no avail. He was headed towards the group of gold loops and red & white knots to do some schmoozing. Only after he caught was finished rubbing elbows with his NOAC friends, did Stu come over and grace us with his presence. Timmy said that he sounded funny because he had lost most of his Brooklyn accent and some of the other Scouts didn't even recognize him. Knowing that we probably wouldn't see him again until Thursday, we said good bye and reminded him that we don't want to get caught in UT Knoxville traffic, so he'd better be ready early...

On a sadder note, we received some troubling news this evening. Andrew Proto, the uncle of one of our contingent members (Andrew), passed away today. As a result, he will be leaving us shortly. Andrew has asked that we keep his uncle and the rest of the family in your thoughts and prayers as they struggle with this loss.

Today's Krystal Burger Count: 60 (170 total)