Tarhe Lodge recognizes service at annual banquet

The 2012 Order of the Arrow Tarhe Lodge Recognition Dinner was held Jan. 8 at the Xenia Masonic Lodge.

The Lodge honored Anthony Donigian and Edward Deen with its prestigious Founder's Award. Anthony is an Eagle Scout from Troop 71 and a Vigil Honor member of the lodge. He has served as Dance and Ceremonies Chairman as well as numerous other key positions, including: Trading Post Chairman, Lodge Secretary and Lodge Vice-chair. He was a lodge delegate to NOAC 2009 and served as a key member of the lodge basketball team which earned a second place finish in the national OA hoops tournament that same year against 54 other lodge teams. He has chaired numerous events and participated in Conclaves and COCs as required. He will serve the lodge as Vigil Chief in 2012, a high honor.

Mr. Deen is a Vigil member of the lodge and Tecumseh Council Outstanding Eagle Scout. He is active as District Commissioner and Assistant Scoutmaster in Chillicothe District. He has served the Lodge and the Order tirelessly over the last 10 years in numerous capacities as staff member, National Order of the Arrow Conference, Lodge Brotherhood Advisor, Lodge Contingent Advisor, Sea Base staff, NOAC staff and advisor in 2009. He recently assumed the role as Lodge Associate Advisor. He is always there to support the Lodge Chief and Lodge Advisor, filling vital roles whenever needed with unselfish service and devotion to his fellow Lodge members.

Anthony and Angel Ashbeck were also recognized for earning their Vigil Honors this year.

This year's Clippinger Award recipients were Nick Davis, Ryan Downing and Nick Allen, for their service to the lodge as youth. Greg Free and Kevin Knepp were adult Scouters honored with the Clippinger Award. The Clippinger Award is presented in honor of Tarhe Lodge's first Lodge Chief Howard Clippinger, who served the Lodge for more than 50 years from its beginning in 1945 until July 1998 when he passed away. His example of leadership, devotion and unselfish service over tan extended period of time has inspired this award. He was truly an inspiration us ll and continues to be greatly missed. It is in his memory that Tarhe Lodge continues to present this honor.

The Keynote speaker was Marty Richards, an Eagle Scout, OA member and long-time Scouter. Tecumseh Council CEO/Scout Executive Jim Nolan also updated the group on the state of the Council, adding his thanks for the Lodge's commitment to growing the local Scouting program.