1999 marks the fortieth (40^th) anniversary of Troop 89, which was chartered by the Men's Club of the First Baptist Church in Medfield in the year 1959. Of course, Troop 89 is now proudly sponsored by American Legion Post 110 in Medfield and will spend its third year in its ever improving Scouthouse at the Medfield State Hospital. Much has changed in the troop - and in the world - since the late fifties, but much has remained the same as well. Troop 89 remains one of the larger troops in the Old Colony Council, a strong supporter of Summer Camp (first at Camp Child, now at Camp Squanto), a troop with a year-round outdoor program, a troop with an ongoing advancement legacy, and a troop with dedicated adult leaders, both past and present, helping generations of Scouts to be prepared for the twenty-first century. So, four decades, forty-eight Eagle Scouts, twenty-five (at least!) Apache Relay championships, ten (+/-) Scoutmasters, three meeting places, two sponsors, and one web site later, Troop 89 has a lot to be proud of its past - and a lot to look forward to in its future.

This fall, Troop 89 will take advantage of the (hopefully) mild September weather during a deep sea fishing excursion towards the end of the month. During Columbus Day weekend in October, Troop 89 will join dozens of other troops from throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island in Mass Jam 99, a huge camporee held on Cape Cod. The WEBELOS of Medfield will have the opportunity to join Troop 89 in a hike over the Blue Hills in November, after which Troop 89 Scouts will stay overnight at nearby Camp Sayre.

Part I of the Troop 89 Candy Sale will be held in early September as usual. The follow-up sale will take place in November. In keeping with the Scout Slogan – do a good turn daily – Scouts will also participate in what has become an annual Troop 89 tradition – Operation Pie Bake at Thanksgiving.

As a reminder to all Scouts, the following Troop 89 policies continue to apply:

SCOUT LEADERSHIP 75% ATTENDANCE RULE:

Effective Scout leadership requires a commitment by those Scouts who hold any particular office to be present at most Scout functions. In the past, the troop has suffered from Scout leaders who have allowed other commitments to interfere with their attendance at Scout meetings and at weekend activities. Since Troop 89 is a Scout-operated troop, such absences are clearly noticed. Simply put, Scouts cannot expect to be leaders if they are not around to lead.

The troop adult leadership realizes that Troop 89 Scouts, especially the older Scouts, often have difficult - sometimes intense - schedules, as they endeavor to explore the many extra-curricular opportunities available to them. The truth is we encourage Scouts to broaden their horizons beyond school and the Scouting program. What we can not allow, however, is for Troop 89 to fall second in priority to these other activities - especially for those Scouts pursuing the prestigious Eagle Award.

Occasionally, a seasonal sport or other activity’s schedule unavoidably conflicts with the troop’s on a regular basis. Because we encourage Scouts to pursue a "well-rounded" lifestyle, committing to such a seasonal obligation is happily allowed as long as the Scout notifies the Scoutmaster in advance. Such advance notice should be in writing and should list the conflicting activity as well as the period of time that the Scout will not be available to participate with the troop. The 75% rule does not apply to such Scouts, and their leadership position will be available upon their return. The Scout will receive no credit for leadership while he is gone, however, and he holds the responsibility of arranging for a Scoutmaster approved replacement to act in his absence.

All sign-up and payment deadlines are listed under each trip heading in the newsletter and on the individual calendars as well. The trip fee information accompanying each deadline date is tentative. Due to the advanced planning nature of these events, the trip fees remain subject to change as more specific information becomes available. Please pay special attention to this policy so that nobody gets left behind.

A reminder to all Troop 89 Scouts: The Ski Trip policy mandates that all participants attend at least one (1) weekend activity (other than the OA. Weekend) between September 1st, 1999 and the Ski Trip in February, 2000. Whereas the 75% rule applies to Scout leaders, the Ski Trip policy applies to everyone. Difficulties with the policy may be addressed to the Scoutmaster.

A reminder that Troop 89 maintains a web site on the World Wide Web at www.bsa.net/ma/t89. Scouts and parents can check the web site for general information about Troop 89, the message of the week, activity information, and additional miscellaneous information.

1999 -2000 PERMISSION SLIP AND MEDICAL RELEASE FORMS:
Due date: 15 September 1999
Coordinator: Mr. Bob Meaney, Assistant Scoutmaster, 359-XXXX

All current Troop 89 Permission Slip and Medical Release Forms expire 31 August 1999. Each family will find, enclosed, a new Troop 89 Permission Slip and Medical Release Form covering the period between 1 September 1999 and 31 August 2000. Please remember to attach a copy of the Scout’s medical insurance card, as this has been a past request by medical officials. Each form must be completed and returned at the 15 September 1999 meeting.

Please contact Mr. Bob Meaney at 359-XXXX with any questions concerning the permission slips and medical forms.

TROOP ACTIVITY FEE COLLECTION:
Activity Fee: $40.00/$70.00/$85.00, check only please.
Due date: 15 September 1999
Coordinator: Mr. John Stenquist, Troop Treasurer, 359-XXXX

Supplementing the Troop Candy Sale and other fund-raising activities is the Troop Activity Fee. This year's fee is $40.00 per Scout. All National registration fees and other "dues" are included in the fee. Families with a second Scout registered in the troop will be required to pay only $30.00 for the second Scout ($70.00 total); a third family member/Scout’s fee is $15.00 ($85.00 total). For record keeping purposes, please submit this fee by form of a check written to "TROOP 89, BSA". Should any family find it financially difficult to meet the Activity Fee obligation, they may contact Mr. Steve Fernandes, Troop Committee Chairperson, at 359-XXXX. Confidentiality in all such matters is assured.

TROOP 89 PARENTS NIGHT:
Scouthouse
27 September 1999, 7:30-9:00 PM,
Coordinator: Mr. Steve Fernandes, Troop Committee Chairperson, 359-XXXX

All parents of Troop 89 Scouts are invited and encouraged to attend this important meeting. At a minimum, one parent from each family is requested to attend. The meeting is designed to collectively address the future of Troop 89. This is not a recruitment meeting per se, but an opportunity for all of the troop's parents to learn more about Troop 89 and, equally important, an opportunity to discuss concerns and/or suggestions that the parents may have. This is, after all, everybody's troop: the Scouts', the Scout leaders', and the parents'. Please join us for this key meeting.

1999 CANDY SALE:
Part I: 11 September 1999
Part II: 19, 20 November 1999
Coordinator: Mr. Jim O’Malley, Troop Fund Raising Coordinator, 359-XXXX

The Troop 89 Candy Sale has always been our chief source of revenue, so its success is of key importance - especially with the troop's large size. This is a required activity for all Scouts and is a full uniform event. Schedules and assignments for the September Candy Sale will be distributed to each Scout at the Wednesday, 8 September 1999 meeting, and/or the Scouts will be contacted by phone. Schedules and assignments for the November Candy Sale will be distributed in November.

As always, adult participation is an important part of each Candy Sale. Adults simply need to remain with the Scouts for a few hours at the various locations that the Candy Sale is conducted around town. Any adult willing to help out in this capacity is encouraged to contact Jim O'Malley at 359-XXXX. Thanks for your help.

Scouts who celebrate Rosh Hashanah are not required to participate in the September Candy Sale. For planning purposes, all such Scouts should please notify Mr. O'Malley of their absence in advance. In addition, these Scouts should plan to participate in the November Candy Sale.

ELECTION NIGHT:
Scouthouse
15 September 1999
Coordinator: Mr. Mike McGowan, Scoutmaster, 359-XXXX

The second regular meeting of the 1999-2000 Scout year will be Election Night. All Scouts of the troop have the opportunity to elect their leaders. As with any democratic process, the success or failure of this election will depend on the number present to vote. These will be your leaders and your patrols for at least the next four months. Make every effort to be present to choose them, and choose wisely!

ORDER OF THE ARROW (OA) SECTION MEETINGS:
United Church of Christ, Medfield
7 September 1999, 5 October 1999, 2 November 1999; 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
OA Ordeal Members only

OA members (those who have completed their Ordeal weekend) are encouraged to become involved in the Ktemaquae Chapter of Tisquantum Lodge 164 by attending the chapter meetings each month. These meetings are held right here in town at the United Church of Christ. The OA offers far more than what Scouts experience at the Ordeal weekends, and the chapter meetings are a great way for Scouts to learn what being an active OA member is all about. For more information about the Ktemaquae Chapter and Tisquantum Lodge 164, visit the lodge web site at www.bsa.net/ma/L164.

ORDER OF THE ARROW ORDEAL WEEKEND:
Camp Squanto, Plymouth, Massachusetts
17-19 September 1999
Coordinator: Mr. John Merck, Assistant Scoutmaster, 359-XXXX

Congratulations to new Order of the Arrow Ordeal candidates, Joe Gxxxxxy, Noah Kxxxxxk, David Mxxxxy, Mike Sxxxxxxxt, and Mr. Peter Mitchell (nice going, Pete!), who were "sashed out" at Summer Camp in July. All Ordeal and Brotherhood candidates, and Brotherhood members as well, are encouraged to attend the Ordeal Weekend at Camp Squanto on 17-19 September 1999. All Scouts planning to attend this weekend should let John Merck know by Saturday, 11 September 1999. Good luck to all our candidates!

HOSPITAL FAMILY DAY:
Medfield State Hospital
25 September 1999, 10:00AM (tentative time)
Coordinator: Mr. Steve Fernandes, Troop Committee Chairperson, 359-XXXX

The Medfield State Hospital, who hosts our Scouthouse at Building D2, has requested our help with their annual Hospital Family Day. The event is held for the families of the hospital employees and maybe some of the patients as well. Participating Scouts will spend a few hours helping to set-up, run activities, and clean-up after the event. Scouts who are interested in assisting with this event, and obtaining service hours in the process, are encouraged to contact Mr. Fernandes right away. Adult support is needed as well. Please help support the State Hospital which has been so generous in supporting us.

DEEP SEA FISHING:
Plymouth, Massachusetts
25 September 1999 Rescheduled: 2 October 1999
Anticipated trip fee: $33.00 (12 years and over), $20.00 (under 12 years), cash only please.
Payment deadline: 15 September 1999
Coordinators:  Mr. Ed Morini, Deep Sea Fishing Trip Coordinator, (508) 429-XXXX,
                            Mr. Rick Wile, Troop Trip Coordinator, 359-XXXX

Captain John's Boats of Plymouth will host this first of its kind Troop 89 event. Scouts will spend between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM out on Cape Cod Bay testing their deep sea fishing skills. Everything, including gear and bait, is provided. (Scouts and adults who bring their own gear may subtract $5.00 from the trip fee.)

Since advanced reservations with the boat company are required, Scout and adult participants must sign-up with their payment by the Wednesday, 15 September 1999 meeting. Please contact Mr. Ed Morini at (508) 429-XXXX  with any questions.

ADVANCEMENT NIGHT:
Scouthouse
29 September 1999
Coordinators: Mrs. Jane Lomax, Assistant Scoutmaster, 359-XXXX,
                           Mrs. Linda Stenquist, Advancement Chairperson, 359-XXXX

Advancement Night provides an opportunity for each Scout to test his skills in an effort to fulfill his individual advancement requirements. Scouts should be prepared beforehand to perform the requirements at the Advancement Night, which will be geared more towards testing than training. Any Scout who would like to take advantage of the Advancement Night should contact Mrs. Lomax or Mrs. Stenquist well before that particular night. Only those who contact or who are contacted by Mrs. Lomax or Mrs. Stenquist should attend the Advancement Night. Also, unless you are to appear in front of a Board of Review, you do not need to wear your uniform.

A multitude of badges and awards has been earned before, during, and after Summer Camp. Tonight, the recipients will be formally recognized. As with all Court of Honors, a strong attendance by the Scouts and their families is encouraged. One or two individual Scouts pursuing the Communications Merit Badge will most likely plan and conduct the ceremony; any Scout interested in meeting this requirement should contact Mrs. Lomax or Mrs. Stenquist at once. Refreshments will be served, and any adult who is willing to help with this "behind the scenes" effort should also contact Jane or Linda at least two weeks in advance. Thanks.

MASS JAM 99:
Barnstable County Fairgrounds, Falmouth (Cape Cod), Massachusetts
9-11 October 1999
Anticipated trip fee: $15.00, cash only please.
Payment deadline: 22 September 1999
Coordinator: Mr. Rick Wile, Troop Trip Coordinator, 359-XXXX

The registration deadline for this activity has already past, but an additional $15.00 for food costs will be collected from each Scout currently signed-up for this event at the 22 September 1999 meeting. Mass Jam 99 is expected to be enormous, with hundreds of Scouts from across the region attending. In many ways, Mass Jam should be similar to the Norwich camporees that Troop 89 has attended in the past, only Mass Jam will be much bigger (and probably much warmer). A trip specific information sheet and equipment list will be distributed to participants shortly before the trip.

Although registration for this trip is now closed, there may be some room available for one or two additional participants; any Scout who missed the original sign-up date that would like to attend Mass Jam 99 should contact Mr. Wile right away.

ACTIVITY NIGHT:
Location: to be determined
27 October 1999
Coordinator: Mrs. Lauren Harrington, Activity Nights Coordinator, 359-XXXX

Gym Nights, Swim Nights, and Archery Nights are some of the traditional Activity Nights offered. All Activity Nights are non-uniform events and transportation is the Scout's responsibility. Times are 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM unless otherwise noted. Scouts will be notified of the October Activity Night later this fall.

WEBELOS WEEKEND:
Camp Sayre, Milton, Massachusetts
13-14 November 1999
Anticipated trip fee: $15.00, cash only please.
Payment deadline: 3 November 1999
Coordinator: Mr. Rick Wile, Troop Trip Coordinator, 359-XXXX

The main purpose of WEBELOS Weekend is to expose the WEBELOS Cub Scouts from Medfield Packs 113 and 200 to a typical Troop 89 outing. Our hope is that when these individuals are ready to join the Boy Scouts, some of them will consider Troop 89. This trip also fulfills an important requirement for the WEBELOS' Arrow of Light award. While the WEBELOS and their parents will only join us for lunch and a day-hike throughout the Blue Hills Reservation on Saturday, Troop 89 Scouts will have the opportunity to stay overnight at Camp Sayre Saturday night. Each pack will, of course, be notified with further details. In addition, Scouts are encouraged to help promote Troop 89 and this activity to any second year WEBELOS whom they may know.

1999 OPERATION PIE BAKE:
20 November 1999
Coordinator: Mrs. Patty Schwartz, Service and Good Turn Coordinator, 359-XXXX

For the past four years, under the direction of Mrs. Patty Schwartz, Troop 89 Scouts have baked dozens of Thanksgiving pies for the Medfield Food Cupboard. The organizers of the Food Cupboard have been delighted with what is now a Troop 89 tradition. Scout participants will be needed; more details will be distributed later.

Regular Meetings are uniformed events held at the Scouthouse between 6:45 PM and 8:30 PM on Wednesday nights. Meetings will start sharply at 7:00 PM. Some Scouts may need to arrive early and leave later if their patrol is assigned to prepare and close-up the meeting space. As a rule, if the Medfield School System is not holding school on any particular Wednesday, either due to holiday, vacation, or cancellation, a Scout meeting will not be held.

Troop Committee Meetings are monthly forums at which logistical and financial planning and management take place. They are ordinarily held at 7:00 PM and are held at the American Legion. All adults interested in attending Committee Meetings or becoming Committee Members are highly encouraged to contact Mr. Steve Fernandes, Troop Committee Chairperson, at 359-XXXX.

Patrol Leader Council (PLC) Meetings (formerly Leadership Meetings) are monthly forums for the Scout leaders to conduct their planning efforts as well as discuss other troop matters. Except when otherwise directed, these meetings will be held at the Scouthouse Committee Room. Meetings are generally held between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Membership of the Patrol Leader’s Council, which includes all Patrol Leaders, are expected to attend these meetings or, if they are unable to attend, designate a substitute to attend in their place. Every effort should be made to attend these meetings - this is an important part of the position responsibilities.

Outside of the Troop 89 On-line web site, phone calls and conversation in school are the only methods of communication by which details and last minute changes will reach everyone. PHONE CALLS ARE THE SCOUTS' RESPONSIBILITY. All Scouts should receive a phone call or other message by 8:30 PM Tuesday night each week. If any Scout is not contacted by this time, he must contact his Patrol Leader or the Senior Patrol Leader for that week's message.

Committee Meetings: American Legion, 13 September, 4 October 1999, 1 November 1999, 8 November 1999, 7:00 PM.

Troop 89 Parents Night: Scouthouse, 27 September 1999, 7:30-9:00 PM

The troop's current adult leadership positions are as follows:

Troop 89 Committee:

Ted Miller, a Troop 89 Scouter for over thirteen years, recently accepted the position of Commander of American Legion Post 110. As such, he will be stepping down from the position of Troop Charter Partner Representative. Taking his place is Mike Short, a long-time Troop 89 Committee member and member of the American Legion. Troop 89 wishes both Ted and Mike well in their new positions.

As mentioned before, all parents are encouraged to participate in the Troop 89 Parents Night on 27 September 1999. In addition, all of the monthly Troop Committee Meetings are open meetings, and all adults interested in learning more about Troop 89 are encouraged to attend any of these meetings as well. Working with Scouts and working with other adults committed to working with Scouts can be a very rewarding experience. Please consider what you can do to help ensure the future of Troop 89.

Troop 89 is a strong troop with a proud tradition, but with many challenges ahead. As always, your commitment today ensures a bright future for Troop 89 tomorrow. Best wishes for a great fall season!