Looking back over the past few years, Wahissa Lodge owes a debt of thanks and gratitude to all of its volunteers who have mentored our leaders and assisted in special projects. Most notably Wahissa should recognize Mr. Andy Webb. Andy has been the Vice Chief of Administration Adviser for the past 30 years. Andy has mentored and advised many youth who have gone on to become Wahissa Lodge Chief as well as Section positions. It is through Andy’s guidance and leadership that the Wahissa Lodge database has evolved into the well-oiled machine that it is today. Wahissa Lodge thanks Andy Webb for his continued service to the Order of the Arrow and to Scouting.
The Wahissa Lodge Building underwent a major overhaul this year. The members of Wahissa Lodge first constructed the building in 1974. This construction took many hours and weekends to see its completion. All of the work was completely volunteer. It is very fitting that almost 40 years later; its volunteers completed the renovation of the building. Like 1974, the renovation took many hours and weekends to see its completion. This was to the tune of approximately 180 man-hours. Bradley Taylor, Zach Hull and Andy Harmon were the key youth involved in organizing the project. Ernie Holcomb and Travis Gentry were the key advisers to the project. Wahissa Lodge thanks these individuals for their long hours and personal dedication to see this project through completion. Other individuals who should not be excluded from this list are Rodney Taylor, Donald Taylor, Larry Gentry, Tim Lasley, Chuck Harmon, Jeff Mosley, Dave Whitfield, Seth Toalson, Andrew Tucker, Dalton Lankford and Hunter Day. While this is not the complete list and there were many others involved in the completion of this project, Wahissa Lodge thanks you and everyone involved for the time and commitment to complete the newly renovated Lodge Building. In addition, Wahissa Lodge would like to thank Old Hickory Council. This project would not have been possible without their funding and support. Thank you Old Hickory Council for your continued support of Wahissa Lodge.
This year Wahissa Lodge hosted one of the largest Conclaves on the east coast with 1,425 in attendance. This event requires much time and commitment on many Arrowmen. Most notably, Bradley Taylor (Conclave Chief) and Steve Tucker (Conclave Chief Adviser). These two individuals started planning the 2011 Conclave in 2008 and worked to build a staff of approximately 450 Wahissa Lodge members. This long 3-year commitment set the standard for future Conclaves. Bradley Taylor and Steve Tucker along with the other 448 staff members should be thanked for their dedication to one the best Conclaves ever!
There are many youth and adults who are owed a debt of thanks and gratitude. While it is not the intention of this article to exclude anyone, it is the intent to remind everyone that we should thank our volunteers. So, reach out your hand and offer it to those around you. Thank your fellow Arrowman (both youth and adult) and tell them that Wahissa Lodge appreciates you and your service.
In short… THANK YOU!!!
