March 7th marked the 14th anniversary of the Camp Eastman Reunion Dinner held by the Camp Eastman Development Association at the West Burlington Christian Church. Those arriving prior to the 6:00pm dinner were able to bid on many items sold in a silent auction. Attendees were also treated to snacks, displays and slide shows about CEDA, Camp Eastman, Summer Camp Staff, and Scouting.After the silent auction was concluded, guests lined up to enjoy a smoked pork loin dinner prepared by Board Director Kevin Mineart and his crack staff.
Stan Sherrill looks over the
Summer Camp Patch Collection
Board Director Bill Dorrell then introduced three attendees whose ties to Camp Eastman go back many years. Stan Sherrill, who was Camp Ranger in the late 50's and whose wife was the cook for at least one year; Butch Hecox, the 1971 Camp Director who was also instrumental in many camp improvements up to that time; and Doc Cowles, who was tapped out in 1935, and for many years after was a very active scouter, taking innumerable groups of Explorer scouts to the boundary waters. Finally, a drawing was held for a Camp Eastman campership that was given to one of the youth in attendance.
Doc Cowles and his daughter Ann
smile for the camera
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Butch Hecox talks with CEDA
Director Emeritus Ray Shafer As many were helping themselves to seconds, Trent Hancock handed out door prizes. Treasurer Dave Carrick presented a report summarizing CEDA’s monetary expenditures in support of Camp Eastman since the year 2000, including over $100,000 spent on the restoration of Eastman Lodge, almost $45,000 in funding for the C.O.P.E. program, and over $65,000 on other projects and programs. Carrick was quick to point out that these figures do not include the discounted materials and thousands of hours of labor that have been donated by generous companies and individuals to make possible the completion of CEDA’s many projects.
Colonel Monte Delzell offers
another item for auction
The formalities being completed, it was time to introduce Colonel Monte Delzell, who once again donated his time and talents to cry the fund-raising auction that is the highlight of the reunion. Monte had his work cut out for him, as there were over 60 items to be auctioned that had been donated by generous supporters of Camp Eastman.
After the last item was sold, the evening of fellowship, fun, and support for Camp Eastman came to a close. Be sure to put March 6th, 2010 on your calendar to be a part of next year’s reunion.
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