Nearly four years ago we embarked upon a journey that would witness the birth of a new lodge for our Order serving the Scouts, units and camps of Northeast Ohio. Today, the Erielhonan Lodge is growing and gaining steam as it determines its path and future. Like all things, it takes leadership, drive and clarity in purpose for any entity to achieve success and celebrate milestones. We have been and continue to be blessed with some exceptional Scouters who believe deeply in the mission and purpose of the Order and have worked hard to integrate those ideals into the Lake Erie Council. Much like our council and the world around us, change is always part of progress for these concepts are forever tied together.
Today I am pleased to announce the selection of Sean Fahnestock as the new Lodge Adviser for our lodge. Before I share more about Sean, let us pause to reflect upon the dedication and job done by current Lodge Adviser Joe Wollet. Joe has been a terrific leader, working diligently to help make Erielhonan Lodge a reality. From guiding the youth to building a foundation for success, to his tremendous support of the program and operations at our camps, Joe has given so much of himself and coordinated the efforts of a superb group of advisers along the way. Joe plans to remain active in the lodge and has been asked by Sean to serve as his mentor. Please join me in offering Joe our sincere thanks and deep appreciation for his commitment and devotion to brotherhood, cheerfulness and service as our Lodge Adviser.
Sean Fahnestock is well known in our lodge and to our members. Currently serving as our Membership Adviser, Sean has worked closely with Joe, his fellow associate advisers and our youth to create the success we enjoy in our lodge today. Most recently Sean, Lodge Chief Evan Richwalsky and other brothers worked tirelessly to host a safe and productive induction weekend where more than 100 Scouts and Scouters became members of the Order, more than 50 sealed their vows, and 14 were called to the Vigil Honor.
Sean, a Vigil himself, is active in many other facets of Scouting and our council as well. In addition to serving as a merit badge counselor and a camp host, Sean is on the committee for both the girl’s and boy’s Troops 52 in Saybrook. Sean completed his ticket as a member of Wood Badge Class C-4-463-14. In his professional life, Sean is in regulatory compliance at the Perry Nuclear Plant, where he has been for the last 15 years, starting in the security department. He is also a veteran of the United States Army where he served for eight years.
Scouting is a family affair in the Fahnestock home! He and his wife, Jacqueline, Pack 52 Committee Chair, have four children all in the program. Lane is 14 years old and is a Life Scout. Justin is 11 years old and is a First Class Scout. Declan is a seven-year-old Wolf and Zoey is six years old and is a Tiger.
Sean will become the new Lodge Adviser on November 1, 2020, as we induct the new lodge youth officers.
Please join me in welcoming Sean to this critical role and wishing him, our youth officers and adult advisers well as we progress into our next chapter as a strong lodge with a clear purpose!
