1995 - 1996

The first event of the year was the September Organizational Drive with meetings held in Green and Manchester. We assigned 105 Big and Little Braves at a special Chief’s meeting to finalize our recruitment efforts. The Nation strength for the year was around 351 Big and Little Braves for our 16 Tribes. Dues were $40 for Father/son, $11 for 2nd, $5 for 3rd and free for more.

The October event was the Ghoul Walk at Camp Y-Noah held on Sunday, October 22. The scares were exceptional and the pre-walk for the little ones eased the fear for an enjoyable time. The attendance for this event was 83%. November’s Event was skating. This event was held at Springfield Roller Rink and attended by 72% of our Nation.

With December came our Annual Banquet held at St. Archangel Michael Church on December 8. The Nation said good-bye to 31 Big and Little Braves with this free feast for the Outgoing Braves. The Animal Man was very entertaining to our Braves. This year’s Outstanding Service Awards went to Marvin Capps – Rooster of the Pontiac Tribe; Joe Richardson – Rain Cloud of the Cheyenne Tribe; and Paul Andrella – Grey Fox of the Arapaho Tribe. The Joe Friday Awards went to Ray Herrick, Todd Jones, Kevin Ketcham, Jerry Ramsey, Frank Sainato and Rocky Zimbardi. The award winners received plaques for their efforts. The Mighty Arapaho Tribe won the Big Medicine Award for an outstanding year of attendance and participation at all events. Also for this month is the Nation’s mandatory Christmas project for all Little braves.

January came and the Nation attended the Canton Invaders game with 78%. Also, for this month is the Nation’s mandatory Fundraiser and Reverse Raffle which was held at Guy’s Party Center. The effort of all Braves resulted in approximately $10,000 made for our Nation. All who attended had a great time and to those who sold candy, many thanks for all the continuing success in this annual event.

The February Event was Bowling at Stonehedge Bowling Alley in which 74% attended. The March event was the Swim Overnighter held at the Canal Square YMCA. Participation was 83% for this event.

April was a Mini-golf event at Rolling Greens with 70% attending. The Nation also participated in the YMCA 1996 MANIKIKI FASCAR INVITATIONAL that was held on Sunday, April 14. Several of our Braves placed in this event.

The May rain gods were NOT with us at the Spring Campout held at Camp Manatoc. The weather made it almost impossible for anyone to have a nice time but the SPIRIT of the GREAT MANIKIKI NATION Braves rose to the challenge. Big and Little Braves enjoyed a rain soaked day of fishing and BRAVED the driving rain for Saturday’s Feast of Catered Evening Meal. The Nation’s campfire was canceled and could not be held. To all those Braves that stuck it out all weekend– A LOUD TONKA HEY! Attendance was 80% for this event. The Nation Budget meeting was held and proposed for 96 – 97 year.

The June event was attending the Canton/Akron Indians baseball game. Chief Ray Herrick and his son Kyle were selected to throw the baseball to start the game. Nominations were taken from the floor for the Nation Officer Positions. Chief Herrick appointed a chairperson to run the nominations – Dave Weimer. The attendance for this event was 65%.

In July 59% attended the Manikiki Nation Family Picnic held at Pine Valley Lake Park. The Nation braves with their family members all had a good time. We had Braves of our Nation attend the Gathering of Nations at Mohican Wilderness on July 10 – 14. The nation Chief’s voted on the budget and passed it with 100%. August brought 63% of the Manikiki Nation to Dover Lake Park for a Family Fun Day. The Nation Chief’s voted on the slate of officer and elected the next year’s officers.

The September Fall Campout was also wet for the Nation. It was held at Camp Y-Noah. The Nation endured yet another soggy campout, but this allowed us to go indoors for the Fire Ceremony. The outgoing Braves were recognized and all that attended had a good time. The attendance was 73% for this event.

Nation Chief - Ray Herrick, Arapaho
War Chief - Jerry Ramsey, Mingo
Sachem - Paul Andrella, Arapaho
Medicine Man - Todd Jones, Blackhawk
Wampum Bearer - Brent Combs, Apache
Tallykeeper - Kevin Ketcham, Mohawk
Storyteller - Jim Peterson, Cheyenne
YMCA Representatives - Greg Blondheim, Karla Sheriff