Past Web Page News Notes 2005-09
NOTE: No News Notes were added in 2009 as our volunteers were busy with other tasks.
DECEMBER, 2008, NEWS
- If you experienced problems with this website recently, please note: We have now changed to a
new web hosting service
(thanks to Matt Arlauckas), and the site should be back to normal. If
you experience any problems, please contact the Webmaster (See "Other
Information" below).
- The Massawepie Staff Alumni Association fundraising support for
replacement mountain bikes for Massawepie was so successful in 2008 that
the Executive Committee has decided to do similar fundraising for new sailboats in 2009.
Look for details in the spring.
- A new book, Adirondack Birding: 60 Great Places to Find Birds, by John M.C. Peterson and Gary N. Lee,
lists the Massawepie Mire as one of those favorite places for birding. This book is
available from the
Adirondack Mountain Club store.
JUNE, 2008, NEWS
Massawepie Alumni 55th Anniversary Reunion Patches are now available for sale.
Use this order form to obtain the great-looking souvenirs while helping to fund the
MSAA's continued service at Massawepie. To see the patch design, click here.
MAY, 2008, NEWS
- Massawepie in the Media: John Thaxton ended his "Birdwatch" column on page 46 of the
March/April 2008 issue of Adirondack Explorer news magazine with,
"And I couldn't believe how many palm warblers I saw on the
trail through Massaweepie (sic) Mire, a truly spectacular bog, and
great all-round birding destination, northwest of Tupper Lake. The mire
is closed to the public from June 15 to Sept. 15 (sic), but that gives
you plenty of time to see this early-spring bird."
Actually, under a NYS conservation easement Massawepie is open to the
public from September 1 to June 14. But only a portion of the Mire is on
Massawepie property; other portions belong to New York State (the old
railroad bed through the Mire) and to the Grasse River Club.
- The Massawepie Staff Alumni Association's 2008 Annual Meeting
will be held during Beaver Weekend at Massawepie on Saturday, May 31,
following the evening meal. We'll meet in the Loren Hakes Campfire
Circle unless the weather keeps us in the Pioneer Dining Hall.
Under our Rules of Operations, elections will be held for
officers and at-large members of the Executive Committee. Reports of
2007-08 activities will also be shared, especially the 55th anniversary
reunion, and future plans will be discussed. Alumni T-shirts and patches
will also be available for sale! BarkEater induction ceremonies will be
held after the meeting for those eligible.
Part of the discussion at the meeting will be future roles for
the Alumni Association at camp, and for the 100th anniversary of the BSA
in 2010. Come share your ideas and hear from others, as part of the fun
and service of Beaver Weekend!
- The Alumni Association Rules of Operation provide that nominations for officers and at-large
Executive Committee members should be made in advance of the Annual Meeting (held on Beaver
Weekend). The Executive Committee has nominated the following candidates:
- Mike Knittel for Chair
- Gary Hicks for Vice Chair
- Peter Collinge for Treasurer
- Stephanie VonBacho for Secretary
- Matt Arlauckas, Executive Committee Member at Large
- Shannon Davis, Executive Committee Member at Large
- David Lippitt, Executive Committee Member at Large
- Mark Pulvino, Executive Committee Member at Large
- George Varga, Executive Committee Member at Large
- John Zaffino, Executive Committee Member at Large
- (Brad VanAuken will serve as Past Chair)
Any additional nominations should be submitted in advance of the meeting to Secretary Peter Collinge.
DECEMBER, 2007, NEWS
Pictures (courtesy of Carol Thiel and Arnie Lewis) from the December 28, 2007,
Massawepie 55th Anniversary Celebration
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- As of the December 14 deadline, 65 reservations had been received for the 55th anniversary extravaganza
on December 28. It should be a great evening! For those of you who are attending, this
map shows the recommended parking.
NOVEMBER, 2007, NEWS
As of Thanksgiving, 51 reservations had been received for the 55th anniversary extravaganza
on December 28. Reservations are still being accepted through December 14; the price is now
$35/person. Along with food and fellowship, we'll be screening the original 1952 Massawepie camp promotion film. Don't hesitate;
send your reservation and check in now! Click to see a preview of the 55th anniversary patch.
OCTOBER, 2007, NEWS
As of mid-October, 24 people had registered for the Massawepie 55th Anniversary Reunion,
with many more expected before the early registration deadline of November 16. So what are you waiting for,
a special invitation? Here's your fancy invitation! (If you don't have PowerPoint installed,
click here for the "plain" invitation.)
Remember, after Nov. 16 the price goes up to $35, so register today. Food, fun, and friends - what more could you want on
December 28? You do not need to be an Alumni Association member to attend, but
membership applications are also welcome!
SEPTEMBER, 2007, NEWS
Massawepie's Camp Pioneer had another outstanding season in 2007 under
Camp Director Steve Weisenreder and Program Director Rick Byers. A total
of 2127 Scouts and 679 leaders enjoyed Pioneer's excellent program and
facilities, which earned a perfect score on the 2007 National Standard
Camp BSA visitation.
AUGUST, 2007, NEWS
The Massawepie 55th Anniversary Reunion
is coming this December 28. (The date was chosen in hopes that friends
of Massawepie who might visit Rochester during the holidays could
attend.) Join the fun - see old friends and make new ones as we
reminisce about camp. You do not need to be an Alumni Association member
to attend. Use the registration form to make your reservation now!
JUNE, 2007, NEWS
The 2007 MSAA Annual Meeting was held at Massawepie June 2 during Beaver
Weekend. Attendees (see picture below) heard report of the past year's
activities, along with information on the upcoming 55th Anniversary
Reunion 6:30- 10 pm on December 28 in Rochester. The 2006-07 MSAA
Officers and Executive Committee members were reelected for 2007-08.
MARCH, 2007, NEWS
The paid MSAA membership has now reached 100 people! Welcome to Richard
Wright, Massawepie Program Committee Chairman and camp volunteer in
recent years, who is the newest member!
FEBRUARY, 2007, NEWS
All members are invited to the March 10 Social Get-together & Beer Tasting
event. Check your Winter Newsletter for more details. Reservations are
needed by March 1 in order to arrange for the food and beverages.
OCTOBER, 2006, NEWS
The Fall Newsletter was mailed to
members on October 27. If you are a current MSAA member and don't get
your copy by November 1, please contact us. The newsletter contains
information about the November 25 ChiliFest, the Massawepie 55th Reunion
plans, last summer's events, and much more.
SEPTEMBER, 2006, NEWS
This year, the Massawepie Staff Alumni Association is taking a break
from the annual September Family Clambake Picnic in order to try a new
Chili Cookout event during Thanksgiving Weekend, in hopes that more
out-of-town alumni may be visiting Rochester and be able to attend. More
details to follow.
AUGUST, 2006, NEWS
Massawepie was mentioned in an interesting article "Swamp Song" on p.82 of the Annual Guide '06
issue of Adirondack Life. Cheryl Lyn Dybas, writing about wetlands, says, "One of the largest is
Massawepie Mire, in the Grass River Basin of St. Lawrence County - at
2,256 acres it's the largest open-heath bog in the Northeast." The Otetiana Council
continues to partner with Adirondack Nature Conservancy in protecting
the large portion of the Mire that is on Scout property.
JULY, 2006, NEWS
The Meyering Rifle Range Dedication
was held on Saturday, July 15, 2006. A beautiful new sign was mounted
dedicating the Camp Pioneer rifle range (which opened in 2005) to
long-time staff members Ray and Addy Meyering. Several speakers related
the Meyerings' history with Scouting and Massawepie, and described the
efforts of many people over the past several years to fund and construct
the new range. After plaques recognizing donors were unveiled, the
ceremony ended and those in attendance enjoyed refreshments and an
opportunity to shoot at special Rifle Range Dedication targets
thoughtfully supplied by Ray and Addy. The new range is a huge success,
providing many hundreds of Scouts with a convenient opportunity to learn
safe shooting.
JUNE, 2006, NEWS
The 2006 Beaver Weekend at
Massawepie (June 2-4) was a success despite a bit (OK, quite a bit) of
rain! The Massawepie Staff Alumni again made up the largest single group
at Beaver Weekend. Accomplishments included:
- Many projects to get camp ready for the summer season, including:
- Replacement of the Pioneer Trading Post Porch and access ramp (started Skills Weekend)
- Cleaning and fixing up the Loren Hakes Campfire Circle after installation of electrical service
to support the 2nd year Barkeater ceremonies
- At the 2006 Massawepie Staff Alumni Association Annual Meeting, officers and Executive Committee
members were elected for 2006-07 as follows:
- Chair: Brad Van Auken
- Vice Chair: Shannon Davis
- Secretary: Peter Collinge
- Treasurer: Mike Knittel
- Members at Large: Gary Hicks, Dave Lippitt, George Varga, Stephanie VonBacho, John Zaffino
- At dusk following the Annual Meeting, a first year Massawepie
BarkEater ceremony was held followed by the first official 2nd year
BarkEater ceremony. These impressive ceremonies culminate each year's
BarkEater program, which is designed to encourage camp attendance and
participation by Scouts and units.
FEBRUARY, 2006, NEWS
- The campaign to purchase kayaks for Camp Pioneer
for 2006 is off to a strong start, with 5 kayaks funded to date out of
our goal of 12. See the Winter Newsletter for more details.
- Unfortunately, the 2006 MSAA Winter Rendezvous
had to be cancelled due to a mix-up in park lodge reservations. Our
next big Massawepie alumni reunion will be help at camp during Beaver
Weekend, June 2-4. Plan to attend!
JANUARY, 2006, NEWS
MSAA Members should be receiving the Winter 2006 Newsletter by February 1, with articles on:
- The Annual MSAA Winter Rendezvous to be held February 12
- MSAA T-shirts
- Skill and Beaver Weekends
- Fall Family Picnic
- BarkEater Year Two
- Meyering Rifle Range Dedication planned for July 15
- History of Massawepie Purchase by Scouts
- Massawepie Square Foot Endowment Update
- MSAA Membership updates
AUGUST, 2005, NEWS
The 2nd Annual Staff Beach Barbecue
on July 30 was a big success! The Alumni Association treated
approximately 50 members of the 2005 Massawepie staff to a barbecue
dinner. The staff definitely appreciated the feast of pulled pork,
barbecued chicken, corn on the cob, and keg root beer, followed by "make
your own" ice cream sundaes. The sunny weather allowed many to eat on
tables set up outside Gannett Lodge. Thanks to the alumni volunteers who
came to camp to prepare the meal and to clean up, and especially to
Dave Lippitt for coordinating the operation and to George Varga for
providing such detailed and helpful information from the 2004 barbecue.
JULY, 2005, NEWS
Massawepie Alumni needed to help with 2nd Annual Staff Beach Barbecue on July 30!
Again this year, the Alumni Association will be treating the current
staff to a barbecue dinner. Alumni are needed at camp that weekend (July
29-31) to help get ready for the event. We need to clean Gannett Lodge
(the former Voyageur dining hall), cook the food, serve the staff, and
clean up. Many hands will make for light work! This is a great
opportunity to visit camp during the summer, and to meet the current
staff (and future alumni). To register for the weekend, send your name
and $20 (payable to Otetiana Council, to cover food costs for all meals)
to Don DeClerck, Camp Cutler, 7131 Gulick Rd., Naples, NY 14512.
JUNE, 2005, NEWS
The 2005 Beaver Weekend at
Massawepie (June 3-5) was a grand success! The Massawepie Staff Alumni
again made up the largest single group at Beaver Weekend. Weekend
accomplishments included:
- Carpentry work on the new Meyering Rifle Range at Camp Pioneer was
completed. The deck had been mostly completed on Skills Weekend, but
finishing touches (railings, stairs, ramp, etc.) were added. Most
impressively, all of the roof trusses were added, and the entire green
metal roof was installed. Once the electrical work is completed, the
range is expected to be in use for the 2005 camp season.
- At the 2005 Massawepie Staff Alumni Association Annual Meeting, new
officers and Executive Committee members were elected for 2005-06 as
follows:
- Chair: Brad Van Auken
- Vice Chair: Jeremy Cooney
- Secretary: Peter Collinge
- Treasurer: Mike Knittel
- Members at Large: Gary Hicks, Dave Lippitt, George Varga, Stephanie VonBacho
- At dusk following the Annual Meeting, the first official Massawepie
BarkEater ceremony was held in the Pioneer Campfire Circle. Over 20
Scouters who qualified as BarkEaters based on attendance at two
Massawepie work weekends this spring were inducted. This group of
BarkEaters received specially numbered totems in recognition of their
status as the first-ever inductees. By the end of the 2005 camp season,
over 1000 additional BarkEaters are expected to join the ranks.
MARCH, 2005, NEWS
The Winter 2005 Member Rendezvous
was held on Saturday, March 5. Our get-together included a tour of the
Flour City Brewery plus information about the new Barkeater Program at
Massawepie, along with plenty of socializing. MSAA Chair Mark Pulvino
encouraged everyone present to attend Beaver Weekend. Along with our
annual meeting that weekend, there will be a "sneak peak" run-through of
the new 1st year Barkeater program ceremony.
FEBRUARY, 2005, NEWS
- The Rules of Operation for the Alumni Association are now posted on the
About Us page.
- Members: Don't forget the Winter Rendezvous on March 5 at Flour City Brewery.
For information, see your recent Winter Newsletter.
JANUARY, 2005, NEWS
ANOTHER ADDITION to the Massawepie History pages! Now available under
Historical Documents 1952-1959:
more excerpts from the diary of Harley Burgdorf, Massawepie's first property superintendent.
The first installment (posted in July, 2004) covered September, 1951 -
June, 1952, and included the building of Camp Pioneer and the
Mountaineer Road, and the opening of Camp Pioneer. That document has now
been expanded to include excerpts about the building of Mountaineer
(1952-53), Voyageur (1956), and Central (1956-57). Many thanks to Chuck
Burgdorf (Harley's son and a retired BSA property superintendent
himself), who copied the appropriate sections from the diaries. This
diary makes fascinating reading for anyone interested in the early years
of Massawepie Scout Camps.
Click BELOW to see earlier News Notes from:
- 2000-04 (The Massawepie Staff Alumni Association's first five years)
Massawepie is the Boy Scout summer
camp for the Seneca Waterways Council
which serves youth in five counties near Rochester, New York: Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, & Yates counties.
The Massawepie Scout Camps are located on New York State Route 3
between Cranberry Lake and Tupper Lake in the Adirondack Mountains.
Page URL: http://MassStaffAlumni.org/News2005-09.htm
Web Page Designed and Maintained by
Peter Collinge
Added to the Web: February 20, 2019; Last Updated: February 20, 2019
