Scouts To Launch Annual Attack On Hunger
Have you ever been hungry? Really hungry? Not knowing if you will have food to eat today…or tomorrow? Probably…and hopefully… not!
But to thousands of needy in our northwest suburbs, the pain of hunger is a daily realty. As Scouts and Scouters, we can and will do something to help ease that pain by participating in the council’s annual Scouting for Food drive.
Throughout NWSC’s 33 communities, Scout units will launch a two-pronged attack on hunger by first distributing ‘doorhanger’ flyers in their local neighborhoods on Saturday, May 1, and then returning on Saturday, May 6, to collect the food.
According to Council SFF Chairman Jay Kleeman, “Scouting For Food is a vital service that really makes a difference for the needy in our communities. We all can help ease the pain of hunger.”
Kleeman stated also that Tom Skilling, WGN-TV’s popular meterologist, is helping by agreeing to be the event’s Honorary Chairman again. And, for the fourth consecutive year, the National Letter Carrier’s Union, is cooperating with our Scouts in the annual Good Turn effort.
Scouting For Food originated in 1988 on a national level and our council has continued this valuable service project ever since. Last year, our scout units collected over 240,000 lbs. of food for local area distribution.
As Honorary Chairman for our ’04 Scouting For Food drive, Professor Tom Skilling, WGN-TV’s Chief Meteorologist, joins Troop 194’s Scouts Mitch A, John K and Doug V in kicking off NWSC’s annual Good Turn Project.
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Scout Executive's Minute
Cool Outings!
Scouter Of the month
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Scout Shorts: Field Director Dan Bettison has become a new James E. West Fellow. Jim Tierney has been elected by the Council Executive Committee as the new NWSC Vice President for Capital Development. Jim is Executive Vice President of the Harris Bank-Barrington and a veteran NWSC board executive board member.
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Halley Speaks at NWSC Fundraiser
Brigadier General Nick Halley spoke at the NWSC Leadership Breakfast recently at the Woodfield Hyatt. He commented that "It is extremely critical to support Scouting with your finances as well as your time." He went on to say that his "Best memories are going to Camp Kickapoo in Mississippi." "Scouting is great preparation for life; especially now as we live in very turbulent times." The event raised $36,960 for the NWSC.
Spring Membership Drives
We are excited about the participation of all Packs, Troops and Crews in April and May Spring Round-ups and Open Houses - a great opportunity to recruit new youth as well as “new parents”. This is an exceptional time to invite new youth to join the Scouting program, especially the young Tigers.
Spring recruitment date, time, location, contact name, and phone number can be put on a flyer that can be printed free of charge through the services of Northwest Suburban Council. Your unit, DE’s and Membership Chairmen can then distribute the flyers to the appropriate schools & other locations. DE’s can also conduct boy talks in the schools for kindergarten through 4th grades for Packs, 5th and 6th grades for Troops and 8th grades for Crews. Just ask! It works best if your unit can set a date that is separate from a traditional unit meeting and is purely a Spring recruitment meeting or open house. If you can’t do this, then using a program event or even a unit meeting can generate a successful Spring recruitment. Keep in mind that new youth at this time will strengthen the overall health of your unit and bring vitality to your programs. Thank you for providing our great program and helping to keep your unit filled with great leaders and great youth!
Life to Eagle Seminar
You say your Life Scout has the slows? “Don’t worry”, he says. “I’ve got plenty of time. I’ll make Eagle.” Too often though, too many other things get in the way and the clock runs out.
If you’re looking for some wisdom on how to keep your Life Scout’s “eyes on the prize”, the NWSC’s Advancement committee invites you to a “Life to Eagle Seminar” Saturday May 1st at the Council Service Center – 600 Wheeling Road in Mount Prospect.
Every Life Scout, Scoutmasters and Assistants, Troop committee members and Advancement personnel are encouraged to attend. The seminar is designed to educate Scouts and parents on the steps necessary to attain the rank of Eagle. The seminar begins at 9:30AM May 1st and will last until Noon. For more information, call Council Advancement Chairman Lu Nuccio at 847-394-0220 or Dee Ryan at the Council office at 847-824-6880. Keep those “eyes on the prize!”
Congratulations 2003 Silver Beavers
Hearty congratulations to the 2003 crop of Silver Beavers! Once again this year, the Northwest Suburban Council salutes six Scouters for their extraordinary contributions to Scouting and their communities. The Silver Beaver is the highest award a council may bestow upon an adult volunteer.
This year’s recipients are: Longtime Scouter Bob Heuser of Troop 23 in the Blackhawk district. Bob is the training chairman of Boy Scouts and was the Wood Badge course director. Chris Hommowun of Pack and Troop 297 in the Pathfinder district. Chris is a past District chairman and publishes Horatio’s Happenings – the Pathfinder newsletter. Charlie Keppel of Troop 209 in the Signal Hill district. Charlie’s on the Boy Scout Roundtable staff and is a merit badge counselor.
Tom Lobacz of Troop 38 in the Blackhawk District has been the Vice chairman of Boy Scouts for the last three years. He is also the Council climbing and COPE chairman.
Ray Okigawa is the current Pathfinder District Chairman and is also involved with Troop and Crew 297. And Paul Pinderski has provided years of tireless service to the NWSC as its legal counsel.
All of these outstanding Scouters will be honored for their achievement at a “Celebration Event” Friday May 7th at the Trackside Restaurant (at Arlington Park Race Track) 2200 W. Euclid Avenue in Arlington Heights. Check out www.nwsc.org or call the council office for more information.
The Scout Shop Scoop
Make your dollars count this month! In April, each visit to the Scout Shop brings you a discount coupon good for 20% off any pair of uniform pants, or 10% off any item of your choice (excluding uniform shirts). Coupons good on a future visit, and are valid through May 31, 2004. Come See Us!
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Pinewood Derby Fun
Can we relax now that Pinewood Derby competition is behind us? Or is it time to start thinking about plans for next year’s cars. Twins Michael and Nicholas Ragguci will no doubt return next year with a lot of “Pinewood” know-how.
Mike and Nick are Wolf Scouts in Pack 154 in Mount Prospect, and they both came up with creative designs for their cars this year. Mike decided his would be an “Alligator” car which required some careful cutting. Dad – Greg Ragucci – was able to help with the band-saw chores during one of Home Depot’s Pinewood Derby workshops. He also helped son Nick build his “Wolf” car which Nick painted to look like his Cub Scout cap. Greg says he wanted to touch up son Nick’s paint job a bit, but concluded that that was a failed idea. “I spent two days trying to fix it when he did a perfect job the first time”, Greg says. “I’m going to let them do it themselves next time!”
The eight-year old twins didn’t make it to the winner’s circle this year though Michael did win a consolation race. But they had a lot of fun making their cars with their Dad! And for now, Michael and Nicholas Ragguci have an Alligator and a Wolf on proud display at home!
14-20 year olds have 8 New choices
NWSC is leading Area 3 in the Central Region in number of Venturers and number of Crews. This year, 8 new crews have already been added or are in the process of chartering. Check out what's happening in the fastest growing Scouting program!
New crew specialties include Biking, Shooting Sports, Archeology, Computers, Ham Radios, Religious Life, Angling (fishing) and Cars.
The new crews are proving to be popular with both young men and young women ages 14-20. Spread the word! To obtain a contact for any of these units, please call your District Executive, Venturing Vice-Chairman or see http://units.nwsc.org/~venturing . The Go Venturing! Challenge for April is Indian Events on April 23-25 at Camp Indian Trails, Janesville, WI - hosted by Crew 476 - camp, craft, dance the Native American way. Call Linda at 847-882-1644 for more information.
BSA National Meeting Set For Chicago:
Chicago will roll out the red carpet for the BSA's annual meeting May 19th-21st at the Hyatt Regency-Chicago. General Tommy Franks — former commander of US Central Command— will be one of the featured guests. More next month.
Jambo ’05 Patches Revealed at Successful Rally Night!!
The Service Center’s “Auditorium” was jammed!Over 150 parents and Boy Scouts attended the Rally Night on March 7th to learn more about the National Jamboree scheduled for July 2005 at Ft. A. P. Hill, Va. What came unexpected was the unveiling of the three new “Blues Brothers” patches, designed by Eagle Scout Brent R. The “Blues Brothers” shoulder patches became a “coveted collectible” at Jambo 2001, and we’re looking for history to repeat itself!
We’re also looking for boys to take part in this “lifetime” experience. Over 100 boys have registered so far. Youth applications are available and registrations are being accepted at the Service Center. Interested Scouts should register NOW before the 144 Scout quota is filled! If your unit has not had its Jambo presentation, contact Marty Schultz (1-847-824-8220) or Carl Laub (1-847-394-5115).
Campership funds are available to attend Camp Napowan. These funds are typically 50% of the total camp fee. Contact Marty Schultz at 847-635-9404.
The BSA National Endowment Art Tour featuring original Norman Rockwell paintings will be held at the Hyatt Deerfield, 1750 Lake Cook Road in Deerfield on May 13, by reservation only. Contact Finance Director Jason Erpelding for an invitation.
The NWSC is in need of someone with expertise with the computer program called "ACT". Please contact Scout Executive Steve Taylor at 847-824-6830 if you have expertise in this area and are willing to share your knowledge to help benefit Scouting locally.
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