Staff Gathers in Fellowship to Kick-off Week Long Event
 The time was 7:00 p.m. The lights were turned
down and National
Chief Nick Digirolamo stepped up to the podium. The Indian Summer
staff was seated and you could feel the aura of anticipation.
"Welcome to Indian Summer 2003..." So began the staff kick-off.
During the initial twenty minutes of the gathering, the Indian
Summer program vice chiefs and region chiefs were introduced.
Roses were presented to the National Chief’s mother to recognize
her for her support, as well as to the lady whom National Vice Chief Rich
Moore cited as the "nicest woman you’ll ever meet," our Ridgecrest
representative, Rose Verlander. The staff then listened to some
wise words from Ron Bell, the Indian Summer lead adviser, and
Clyde Mayer, the national director.
 After the introductions and recognitions, a local
bluegrass band,
the Whitewater Bluegrass Company, featuring Grammy Award winning
banjo player, Mark Pruett, treated the staff to a performance. They
played several songs and got the staff in an upbeat and enthusiastic
mood. Various staff members were line dancing jigs and getting
ready to spread their energetic attitudes with their incoming fellow Arrowmen.
About thirty minutes into the concert, Nick Williams and the
Activities and Recreation Committee, unveiled a feast that consisted
of nachos, pretzels, soda, and ice cream. The sounds of bluegrass
continued to saturate the atmosphere as the staff gathered in
fellowship and discussed the upcoming week.
The gathering was a preview of the great
time all are going to have at Ridgecrest, North Carolina. The event has an awesome
schedule of activities and a very competent staff. The excitement
level is sky-high, and one can only imagine how the week will
unfold.
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