J.N. Webster Scout Reservation - Ashford, Connecticut

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News

Death of JNW Pioneer & Long-Time Scouter

Kenneth Gunsalus, former Scoutmaster of Troop 25 in Putnam, passed away on Thursday, May 4. Kenny was a 77 year veteran of the BSA. He served as Scoutmaster for over 40 years. He also led contingents to the National Jamborees and Philmont several times. Kenny helped with the planning and development of JN Webster Scout Reservation; served at Camp Quinebaug; and was an Eagle Scout and a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award. Kenny developed The Troop 25 Ceremonial Indian Dance Team after a visit to the Koshare Indian Reservation with his Philmont conttingent in 1955. Today, the team continues to perform Arrow of Light Ceremonies and performs at the Woodstock Fair every Labor Day weekend. He was a scouting legend who will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered. Kenny was a OA Vigil Honor Member of the Uncas, Sassacus & Tschitani Lodges.

FOW Meetings Scheduled

Meetings of the Friends of Webster are scheduled for Thursday, May 6 and Saturday, June 5 at 7:00 PM in Chip's Cabin. Refreshments will be served.

Beaver Day Plans Announced

JNW Staff Reunion Planned

Plans are underway for a staff reunion to be held at JNW on Saturday, June 17. Details to follow.

Permanent Orienteering Course Coming to JNW

Working with representatives from the New England Orienteering Club, FOW will be mapping and installing a permanent orienteering course to be available by late spring. The NEOC has donated the metal markers to be used for control points as well as their time and expertise in planning the course. Maps will be available for sale to units wishing to make orienteering a weekend activity. Please contact Bill Aldrich if you are interested in helping with the installation of the course.

Cabin Named in Honor of Ranhoff

This past summer the new Ecology/Conservation Building at June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation became known as Ranhoff Lodge in honor of Per-Jan Ranhoff of Pomfret, who died in May 2003.
Per-Jan was well known in the Scouting Community. He had been a long time member of the Nipmuck District Committee serving as Chairmen of the former Quinebaug District and most recently as Finance Chairmen. Per was a member of the Council Executive Board of the Indian Trails Council and a James E. West Fellow. He was perhaps best known for his involvement with the Wood Badge program. Ranhoff served as a course director on many occasions and was a chief promoter of leader training in region.

Per-Jan was well known and respected in the Community. He was the Headmaster at The Pomfret School and an educator his entire life spending 38 years at The Pomfret School. During W.W.II he served in the Norwegian Underground and later worked with the Red Cross with displaced soldiers. Per-Jan graduated with his bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College and master's of education degree from the University of New Hampshire.

Per-Jan leaves behind a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. His humor and delicate touch will be missed greatly by all in the scouting community.

The Friends of Webster has satisfied its financial commitment to this project by paying $14,500 toward the building. CRC contributed approximately an additional $10,000 to this project.

Thanks to all who supported this project, especially Sigfridson Wood Products.

New Lights in Dining Hall

Thanks to Pratt and Whitney's electrical department, our dining hall now has new fluorescent lighting, as well as new security lighting on the outside. Thanks to the Pease's for heading up this project, which came with a donation of $2,500 to the Friends of Webster.

Health Lodge Renovation

Work is underway on the Health Lodge. The redesign of the interior layout involved enlarging the treatment area, creating a waiting area in the former small sleeping quarters in the front of the building, and creating a two-room living area with private bathroom in the rear of the building to serve as living quarters for the nurse. Partitions are up, electrical work is complete, and the building is insulated. Next on the agenda is finishing the walls and installing a new floor. Additionally, a 16X24 pavilion will be attached to the front of the building for teaching and check-in.