Current News
06/19/09
Camp Russell Staff Alumni
Association
C/O Alan Woodruff, Secretary
PO Box 41,Woodgate, NY 13494
Spring 2009
To Camp Russell Past and Present Staff, as well as a
few other special friends:
CR’s 90th Anniversary year has come and gone. Scouts from our
Revolutionary Trails Council, troops from other areas and even a
coed group from a National Guard drug intervention program enjoyed and
benefited from the type of outdoor experience that only our veteran
staff can provide. (The 2008 camp staff had around 220 seasons of BSA
camp staff experience!)
The Council portable climbing wall was stationed at Russell for
the summer Specialty weeks in aquatics, conservation, shooting sports
and survival concluded the regular season, providing a level of
advanced skills not seen here for several years.
Our Learning for Life days in spring and fall continue to be a
popular program and winter use of CR buildings and grounds keeps
things hopping year round.
2009 looks to be another great year at the world’s greatest Boy Scout
camp. Many veteran staff members will be returning. Specialty
camps will again be held. A recently established fly fishing
merit badge will be offered for the first time.
What we always need is more Scouts to benefit from what we have to
offer. Compared to many larger council camps, Camp Russell is a
financial bargain and a great program opportunity that does not always
get the word out sufficiently. We continue to be “large enough to
serve you well and small enough to know you well.”
Here, YOU can help. Spread the word wherever you live about what we
have to offer and refer acquaintances to our new Revolutionary Trails
Council web site,
www.scoutingcny.org. Or they can call the Council office at (315)
735-4437.
For some of the program niceties at camp, the CRSAA has stepped in
and provided items that we could not secure otherwise. (See attached
list) In addition, two major projects were accomplished in 2008.
In the CA, we have the Dan Richards Memorial Pavilion. Financed
by Mr. and Mrs. John Richards, other contributors and the CRSAA, it was
designed by a volunteer engineer and built in one day by present and
past staff along with other helpers. Dan was a dedicated staff member
for ten years and is missed by all who knew him.
To support our longstanding efforts to preserve the history of CR, we
purchased green steel roofing for the original camp building, which has
served as food service dispenser, HQ, health lodge and, most recently,
as our museum. This was installed (and over three tons of old roofing
removed) by an inmate work crew from the Midstate Correctional facility
just before winter set in.
As we look forward to this summer, we have identified some items
and expenses that would benefit what we offer. If you would like to
designate a gift toward any of them, it would be most appreciated.
Undesignated donations will be used for miscellaneous items or projects
that come up during the year.
1. Six fly fishing and casting outfits at approximately $60 apiece.
2. Two new archery targets and stands at around $200 each.
3. A scholarship for a potential future staff member to attend one of
the Camps for $240.
4. A professional-type weather station for about $200.
5. A felling axe for Scoutcraft. ($30)
6. Hiker Micro Filter for water purification. $48, for Scoutcraft
demonstration.
Our 2009 reunion is scheduled for Saturday, July 18. This date was
chosen because we would like to have a dedication ceremony of the
Dan Richards Pavilion after our luncheon. Dan’s Troop 29 from
Wilmington, Delaware will be spending the following week at camp and we
hope representatives from that unit, as well as Dan’s parents, will be
joining us. The reunion will start at 11:00 a.m. with lunch at 1:00.
Whether or not you are with us on July 18, we hope you will join
our efforts to keep the quality of Camp Russell’s offerings as high as
possible. Our dues to handle administrative expenses (the mailing, web
site and reunion lunch) remain at $5.00 with no cost to those still
attending high school or college. Contributions beyond that amount, as
always, will help us fulfill our goals of being a major player in
supporting Camp Russell. We invite you to visit our CRSAA website at
www.crsaa.org, which is maintained by
former waterfront director Rod Grabowski from Tampa, Florida.
Our best wishes to all of you and PLEASE - let us hear from you!
Sincerely,
Bill Willman
“Spike” Woodruff
President
Secretary
Download the 2009 Alumni
Association registration form!
Camp Russell Staff Alumni Association
Purchases and work we have done
For CR in recent years
Battery powered scanner/weather radio
Hay and labor to spread it with grass seed on parade field
Parts for chimney repair at the trapper’s cabin
Cedar shakes for front of lean to roof and labor to install
Work party to disassemble and remove collapsed shelter in CA
Pressure washer for camp ranger
$300 worth of leatherworking and woodcarving tools
100 spruce trees and labor to set out
Radio/cassette for camp bus
Rescue tube for waterfront
Annual Friends of Scouting donation to Rev. Trails Council
Reprinting of 75th Anniversary Book
Paying for annual ad in Woodgate Library Trail Guide
Split rail fence to surround monkey bridge
GPS unit for high adventure use
Drop-in rowing rig for canoe
Enhancement, enlargement & frame for DeVito picture
Production of a Frank DeVito memorial patch
Securing a Frank DeVito carved eagle to hang in dining hall
Printing of a tribute booklet to Frank DeVito
Regular participation at spring and fall camp work days
Blades, battery, cable and paint for Wood Mizer Sawmill
Fishing and fly fishing supplies
Aquarium and accessories to display lake fish
Two archery targets and stands
New steel roof on Museum (Brown House)
Dan Richards Memorial Pavilion in CA – Donation and labor
Administrative Costs
Annual mailing of notice and donation receipts
Web page expenses and lunch at reunion
All this made possible by YOUR
contributions!
Thanks for your continuing support! More to Come!
CRSAA Board of Directors Meeting
1/16/2008
Meeting Minutes
On January 16, the CRSAA Board of Directors conducted the annual meeting. Present were: Chris Read, Bill Willman, Paul Frezza, Spike Woodruff, Jeff Steele (guest) Barry Worczak (guest), Dave Roberts, Jeff DeLucia and Tom Adams.
The annual dues were set at $5.00 as in previous years.
The reunion date was established as Saturday July 19, 2008.
There were two Charter changes approved. The first was Article 2. to allow anyone with a vested interest in Camp Russell to become an active member. This would include those not having served on staff but would like to be a part of the Association and help Camp Russell. They may include former campers, scoutmasters, etc. The change included that the members who were not on staff would need approval from the President and Secretary. The second change was to add Article 7 which would allow amendments to the Charter by a majority vote of the Board.
It was also decided to change the name of the Association to the Camp Russell Alumni Association. This name will better reflect the membership and those who were not on staff will not feel excluded. (Note: From CRSAA President Bill Willman - "...to close the issue of Alumni name change, it has been agreed by a 5-1 vote in favor of reverting back to the official name "Camp Russell Staff Alumni Association". Note that the alumni association membership is open to other friends of Camp Russell with the approval of the President and Secretary." 3/19/2008)
A change in the Board of Directors was agreed upon to be effective after the meeting. Chris Read will step down as President (after having served 10 years) and will become a Director. Bill Willman will change form Vice President to President and Jeff DeLucia will become Vice President.
It was again decided to purchase a Revolutionary Trails Council (RTC) Friends of Scouting membership for $500.
It was decided to again to purchase an ad for the Woodgate Library and to note that this is the 90th anniversary of Camp Russell. The ad will reflect the name of just Camp Russell and no other camp owned or operated by the RTC.
Chris will contact Dan Gilmore to see if there are possibilities to still obtain a grant for enhancement of the demonstration area in the Conservation Area.
It was determined to try to buy a display case for the museum each year, Jeff Steele will co-ordinate this.
Discussion was on the roof replacement for the DeVito Building. The CRSAA has committed to pay for the metal roof to be installed. It is anticipated that it will happen this year.
Reunion 2007
The 2007 Reunion held on July 14, 2007 was once again a great "Russell" experience. Many staff members returned for fun and fellowship.
Staff Alumni Reunion Photo, 2007
Front row, l-r: Chris Aiello, Brian Stone, Chris Overacker, Two Cecconi
children, Rosmarie Squire, Charlie Squire, Mickey Willman, Chris Read,
Peter LaPuma, Jean Russell.
Second row: Horace “Stoney” Stone, Millie Stone, Russell Outtrim, Scout
Executive Bob Myers, Peter Cecconi, Rick Rotondi, Jr., Nate Schwarz,
Bill McEachern, Ted Russell, Bill Willman, Bill Cusworth, Steve
Silverman, Paul Frezza, Vito Rizzo, Camp Director Barry Worczak.
Third row: Camp committee chairman Mark Miller, Matt Stephens, Chuck
Stephens, Spike Woodruff, Shawn Dibble, Jeff DeLucia, Rick Rotondi, Sr.,
Donna Rotondi, Dave Roberts, Bill Kleindienst, Diane Sjodahl, Dr. Tom
Welch, Sabrina Doolittle, Tom Adams, John Larney, Martin Babinek.
Camp Russell Staff Alumni
Association
C/O Alan Woodruff, Secretary
PO Box 41,Woodgate, NY 13494
March 21, 2007
To Camp Russell Staff, past and present:
Spring has sprung in Woodgate, at least according to the calendar. However, we had eight inches of snow over the weekend, the temperature was +5 this morning and a vintage snowmobile race was held on 18 inches of White Lake ice Sunday. After this will come mud season, followed by black fly season and THEN Camp Russell will open for its 90th consecutive summer season.
New camp director Barry Worczak has put together a 2007 staff led by several veterans. Jeff DeLucia will again be putting out culinary masterpieces from the kitchen. Rick Rotondi will continue to oversee fun and safety on the waterfront. Dave Roberts
will return to run the new shooting range, a tremendous facility now across the road. After an absence of six years, Jeff Steele will be back to head up the Conservation Area.
Kim Kiefer, a veteran of three staff seasons, is taking over the high adventure program.
Yours truly? I am officially retired, but will be on hand most of the time helping out with odds and ends. At the request of our CD, I am trying to set us up to offer the new fly fishing merit badge.
Mountain biking! Sailing! Skin Diving! Campfires! More!
What we need now are more units and campers. As one who has experienced our great offerings and spirit first hand, we hope you will sing Camp Russell’s praises far and wide in an effort to increase our attendance and ensure our future.
Our CRSAA reunion for 2007 will be on Saturday, July 14. We ask you to arrive around 11 a.m., which will give departing units time to clear the parking lot. As usual, things will be informal with opportunities to chat with friends, shop in the trading post, tour our updated facilities and sit down to a Chef DeLucia feast around 1 p.m. Here’s to Dear Old Russell, Dunderbeck and more will make the rafters vibrate!
Whether or not you join us on July 14, we hope you will sign up to be an official part of us. Dues remain at $5.00, which cover this mailing, the cost of having our crsaa.org web site, and the reunion lunch. Contributions above and beyond the dues are very welcome and allow us to provide CR with many niceties not covered in regular camp budget. Last year, we secured a drop-in rowing rig, purchased with a donation by Lawrence Piper in memory of his Scoutmaster father. REGISTER ONLINE or download the form and send it in!
We have bought leatherwork and woodcarving tools, a radio/cassette for the camp bus, blades for our portable sawmill, a rescue tube for the waterfront, a portable weather radio/scanner and many other things. This year, we have authorized getting some pop-up targets for the range. We also made a major contribution to buy a beautiful carved eagle at an estate sale at Frank DeVito’s house. The plan is to install it over the swinging doors to the kitchen. Personally, I feel that this 6 foot by 18 inch by 4 inch creation on a piece of clear pine is the best woodcarving that Frank ever did.
Please join us on July 14 if you can. It is always great to see old friends and to relive some of our cherished camp memories. Check out our web site for more news.
Alan Woodruff, CRSAA Secretary
January 15, 2007
On January 16, 2007 the CRSAA Board of Directors
conducted the annual meeting. Present were: Chris Read, Dan Gilmore,
Paul Frezza, Jeff Steele, Bill Willman, Spike Woodruff, Jeff DeLucia,
Dave Roberts, and Michele DeLucia. Mark Miller, the Council Vice
President of Properties was there as a guest.
The following was approved at the meeting:
To change the Charter to add two more Board of Directors. This will
bring the total Board up to seven (three officers and four Directors).
Tom Adams and Dave Roberts were elected as new members of the Board.
To continue to purchase a Friends of Scouting membership to the
Revolutionary Trails Council.
Authorized Dave Roberts to purchase “knock down“ targets for the Rifle
Range.
A ½ page add in the Woodgate Library publication
Jeff De Lucia and Dan Gilmore are going to look at the prospect of a
proposal for a grant to enhance the demonstration area in the
Conservation Area. Jeff will present the idea to the Council Camping
Committee and Dan will look for available monies. If necessary the CRSAA
would be willing to “front” the money should it be required.
Jeff Steele will look at the options of making the DeVito building a
permanent museum and will consider the possibility of being the official
curator.
A date for the summer reunion was set for Saturday July 14, 2007.
After the business portion of the meeting Mike Miller gave his thoughts
on various future projects and ideas to better the camp and looked for
input from us. Most interesting is the NYSDOT project of straightening
out the curve at Panella’s and widening the shoulders of Route 28 in
front of camp. The concept of an overpass or tunnel underneath Route 28
is not under consideration by the NYSDOT. He also listed proposals to
change the entrance to Camp parking and rerouting the right of way
through camp to the private properties on the lake. The Board assured
Mark of our cooperation and offered any assistance that would be
required.
A. Chris Read
Reunion 2006
Attendees at a July 15, 2006 celebration of the late Frank DeVito’s over seventy years of service to Scouting and Camp Russell.
Seated, l-r:
Millie Stone, Horace Stone, Stan Wheater, Beth Richey, Martha Lee, Jean
Russell, Eleanora O’Connor, Joe Bouffard, Mrs. Hannahs and Jack Hannahs.
Standing, front row: Paul Stone, Tom Labayeski, *Chris Aiello,
*Jeff Delucia, Bob Hermann, Eric Wheater, Brayton Bigelow, Bob Myers,
*Rick Rotondi, *Tony Carpenzano, Miles Hoerle, Chris Lee, Jeff Richey,
Peter Cecconi, Ted Russell, Mike Marusic, Tom Adams, Dan Kealy, Paul
Frezza, Mickey Willman, Jim Callahan, and
*”Spike” Woodruff.
Standing, back row: *Mason McMahon, Chris Read, Susan Read, John
Schwarz, Tom Welch, John Booth, *Dan Richards, *Nate Schwarz, Bill
Willman, *Dave Roberts, *Kim Kiefer, Rod Grabowski, *Ron Blois, *Sabrina
Doolittle, Mark Miller, *Al Schrader, and Dave Manore.
On roof: “Rusty,” the sea serpent, a DeVito creation.
*indicates a 2006 staff member.
April 2, 2006 - Camp Russell Staff Alumni Association
C/O Alan Woodruff, Secretary
PO Box 41, Woodgate, NY 13494
April 2, 2006
Dear Camp Russell Staff, Past and Present,
The snow is fast vanishing in Woodgate, ice should be out of White Lake in a few days and Camp Russell is being readied for its 89th consecutive season.
A major loss. Frank DeVito, whose health has not allowed him to work at camp for the past six years, passed away on March 15 at age 92. Anyone who ever worked with Frank has cherished memories of his leading Dunderbeck at a campfire, helping a homesick Scout with a project, playing a homemade xylophone, making those great mushroom and egg sandwiches for the staff late at night, playing The Orange and Green on the harmonica for Tim O’Connor to dance a jig, triple-tonguing “Assembly” on the bugle, inspiring new Tenderfoot Scouts as they received their pins. The list could go into the hundreds.
Your Staff Alumni officers and directors have chosen Saturday, July 15, for the 2006 reunion. Highlighting the day will be a combination memorial service/celebration of Frank’s more than seventy years of Camp Russell involvement. Certain to be included will be Dunderbeck, a chance for attendees to share memories and our traditional closing songs. There will also be a great lunch with the opportunity for more shared memories. Plan to arrive around 11:00 a.m. to give troops time to clear out.
New Camp Director! For the first time in over thirty years, Camp Russell will have a professional Scouter as Camp Director. Dave Fitzgerald is serving Herkimer County and Richfield Springs as the Diamond District Executive. Dave came on board last year and has several years’ experience as a Scoutmaster. Many returning Staff veterans will be helping Dave learn the ropes.
As in past years, we are asking for $5.00 annual dues to handle CRSAA administrative details such as this mailing and web site expenses. Check out the web page if you haven’t done so already; Webmaster Rod Grabowski has done a great job with it! When the roster is added, use of the password will be necessary in order to gain access. (No dues are expected from those who are still students) Donations above and beyond the dues are most welcome and will be used to provide “niceties” for CR not included in its annual budget. Some of our past donations include:
1. A portable emergency scanner/weather radio.
2. Purchase and installation of cedar shakes on the lean to near Headquarters.
3. Providing chimney pipe and connections for the fireplace insert in the Trapper’s Cabin.”
4. Putting down grass seed and fertilizer to change the parade field from dusty brown to green.
5. Purchase of an ad the past two years in the Woodgate Library Trail Guide.
6. Putting an article and photo on Camp Russell in the White Lake Association 25th Anniversary book.
7. Getting a bird feeder and seed for winter use.
8. Providing a snap-on rescue buoy for the waterfront.
9. Using a donation from a former trek guide to buy a GPS unit.
10. Contributing a Friends of Scouting contribution annually to the Revolutionary Trails Council.
11. Purchasing around $200 worth of new leatherworking tools.
12. Removing a collapsed small shelter in the CA and planning updates to the nature trails.
13. Reprinting the 75th Anniversary Book.
This year, we have committed to give a campership to each of our aquatic and conservation specialty weeks, which will be held for the first time in many years. We are also purchasing a drop-in rowing rig with special oars and a sliding seat for a canoe and plan to get another one next year if it is popular.
Donations in memory of Frank DeVito. Our current plan is to use at least some of these to do any necessary repairs to the old HQ building, which is dedicated to Frank, and re-establish the camp museum.
Here’s hoping that we will see many old friends at CR on July 15. Please use the form on the next page to give us a heads up that you are coming. Walk ins are welcome but having an approximate number helps us plan the lunch. Our best to all of you and Here’s to Dear Old Russell, drink her down, down, down!
Sincerely,
Chris Read, CRSAA President and Alan “Spike” Woodruff, Secretary
On
January 16, 2005 the CRSAA Board of Directors conducted their annual
meeting. Present were: Chris Read, Bill Willman, Spike Woodruff, Jeff
DeLucia, Paul Frezza, and guest Rick Rotundi. The following expenditures
were approved:
To again purchase a Friends of Scouting membership to the Revolutionary
Trails council (RTC)
To purchase a rowing crew rig to outfit one of the Grumman canoes at
Camp Russell. These are becoming very popular, are used at the Jamboree,
and now many of the High Schools are doing crew as a sport.
A ½ page Ad in the annual Woodgate Library publication.
We also set a date for the reunion this summer of Saturday July 15th
After the meeting the new Camp Director came and introduced himself to
us, his name is Dave Fitzgerald. He is the RTC District Executive for
the Diamond District (formerly the General Herkimer Council).
Ironically, he was a theatre major in college so that should enhance the
campfires.
We also had the pleasure of meeting with the RTC Field Director Tom
Labayewski and Vice President for Camping and Properties Mark Millar who
gave us insight into future ideas at Camp. One new activity is that the
rifle range is going to be moved to the Conservation Area permanently
this spring. The intention is to bring more activity and awareness to
the “other side of the road”. We used this opportunity to tell the rich
history of the conservation Area and ideas on how it can be expanded and
used more as it has fallen off in popularity the last few years. One
additional comment, we took the opportunity before the meeting to go
visit Frank DeVito at St. Luke’s Nursing Home. Frank turned 92 this
month and considering everything he is well. We played a tape of
Dunderback and the three closing songs for him. We all enjoyed the
visit.
A. Chris Read