TROOP 89 NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 1999, JANUARY, FEBRUARY 2000

Happy Holidays!  With the exception of Leadership Training and a few meetings, the troop will gear down through the holiday season.  The year 2000 winter season will kick off shortly after the new year.

 

Scouts holding leadership positions within the troop will undergo leadership training during the first Sunday of December.  This training plays an important role in each of these Scouts’ leadership experience.

 

Some old favorites will constitute the 2000 winter trips, namely Grotonwood and the 2000 Ski Trip.  In addition, the troop’s second largest - and continually growing - fund raiser, the 2000 Christmas Tree Collection, will take place immediately after the holidays.

 

The first full week of February marks the ninetieth anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America movement.  The week is anchored by Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath.  Both days provide Scouts an opportunity to show reverence and to do their duty to God based on their individual faiths.

 

Last month, the Troop 89 adult leadership accepted the resignation of Mr. Thomas Kerr from the position of Assistant Scoutmaster.  This ends a thirteen year legacy of outstanding service by Mr. Kerr, who has held the position of Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster, as well as District Advancement Chairperson.  Troop 89 extends its great appreciation to Mr. Kerr and wishes him well in his pursuit of other interests.

 

 

PARENTAL FEEDBACK:

 

As part of our efforts to implement the most effective Scouting program for all Troop 89 Scouts, Troop 89 conducted a feedback session during the Parent’s Night held last September.  Although the attendance was very light, it succeeded in prompting some healthy discussions.  We encourage all members of the 89 community to provide constructive feedback.  Each parent is invited to contact any active member of the Troop Committee or Adult Leadership to share his or her thoughts or ideas regarding the troop.  Such thoughts or ideas, particularly constructive criticism, are generally best addressed during Committee Meetings; we remind everyone that Committee Meeting are actually parent meetings.  Of course parents are welcome to forward their concerns to smaller groups of adult leaders at other times during the month; however, we ask that this does not take place during troop activities involving the Scouts.  Needless to say, parents who offer their time as volunteers, in addition to their comments, provide the greatest service.  After all, Scouting is successful only with a team effort behind it.  In any event, we sincerely appreciate your feedback; please share it with us.

 

 

SUMMER CAMP 2000 ANNOUNCEMENT:

 

A scheduling conflict has required the troop to move its Summer Camp program to either a different week at Camp Squanto or to another camp altogether.  The Troop 89 Committee is reviewing the various options, and intends to discuss the subject with the Scout leadership prior to rendering a final decision.  An announcement of this decision is expected before 11 December 1999.  We are aware that many families are already planning their summer events, so we will forward this information to everyone as soon as possible.  This year Troop 89 will attend Week 5 at Camp Squanto, between 30 July 2000 and 5 August 2000.  Naturally, we hope to maintain our exceptional attendance at Summer Camp and apologize for any inconvenience.

 

 

BOY’S LIFE MAGAZINE:

One year subscription: $9.00

Payment Deadline: 12 January 2000

Coordinator: Mr. John Stenquist, Troop Treasurer, 359-XXXX

 

Boy’s Life is the official magazine for Scouts published by the Boy Scouts of America.  Scout families may subscribe for twelve issues of the monthly magazine for only $9.00 when paid by 12 January 2000.  Please make checks payable to Troop 89, BSA.  Magazines should begin to arrive by mail in April.

 

 

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

Scouthouse

Sunday, 5 December 1999, 10:15 AM-5:30 PM

Coordinators:      Mr. Mike McGowan, Scoutmaster, 359-XXXX

Mr. Jim Schwartz, Assistant Scoutmaster, 359-XXXX

 

Among the key responsibilities of each Scout leader is participation in Junior Leader Training.  This Leadership Training is considered mandatory for all Scouts holding leadership positions within the troop, including Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders.  This year’s training session will be conducted at the Scouthouse and will include lunch.  Some portions of the training will take place outdoors, so Scouts should bring the appropriate clothing.

 

All Scout leaders who, for some reason, cannot attend the training are required to submit the reason for their absence, in writing, to Mr. McGowan.  Scouts with Sunday morning religious service conflicts are requested to join the training session as soon as possible afterwards.  All such Scouts should verbally notify Mr. McGowan or Mr. Schwartz that they will be arriving late for this reason.

 

 

1999/2000 CHRISTMAS TREE COLLECTION FUND RAISER:

Part I: 2 January 2000 31 December 1999

Part II: 8 January 2000

Part III: 15 January 2000

Coordinators:      Mr. Bob Welch, Christmas Tree Collection Coordinator, 359-XXXX

                                Mr. Jim O’Malley, Troop Fund Raiser Coordinator, 359-XXXX.

 

The concept of this fund raiser is simple: after the Christmas holiday, Troop 89 Scouts and adult volunteer drivers travel throughout Medfield collecting discarded Christmas trees and delivering them to the Transfer Station - all for a $5.00 per tree service fee.  The collections will take place on consecutive weekends - specifically January 2nd December 31st, January 8th, and January 15th.  Tree pick-ups and payment collection will be pre-arranged and scheduled with each interested family prior to the pick-up day.  One of the keys to this fund raiser's success is promotion.  A sign advertising the service will be placed at the Transfer Station.  Nevertheless, Scouts and their families are asked to spread the word to neighbors and friends, as this is traditionally one of our best means of advertisement.  Thanks for everyone's support.

 

 

GROTONWOOD WINTER TRIP:

Grotonwood Camp, Groton, Massachusetts

29-30 January 2000

Anticipated trip fee: $15.00 cash only please.

Payment deadline: 19 January 2000

Coordinator: Mr. Jim O'Malley, Grotonwood Trip Coordinator, 359-XXXX.

 

Highlights of this trip include a toboggan/snow tube downhill run and a large frozen lake for skating - with the weather’s cooperation.  Scouts will have the option of sleeping inside the cabin or camping outdoors to meet the requirements of their Eskimo patch and/or their Camping merit badge (camping indoors will not meet such requirements).  The camp provides a few inner tubes for sledding.  However, due to the limited number available, Scouts are strongly recommended to bring their own personal sleds - inflatable tubes are generally best.  Scouts should bring their own ice skates and even hockey sticks if they wish to skate or play ice hockey.  More information will be available later.

 

 

SCOUT SUNDAY / SCOUT SABBATH:

Scout Sunday: 6 February 2000, Scout Sabbath: 12 February 2000

Coordinator: Mrs. Maureen McGowan, Troop Chaplain, 359-XXXX.

 

A Scout is Reverent! A Scout is reverent toward God.  He is faithful in his religious duties.  He respects the beliefs of others.  The week of February 6 through 12, 2000 marks the ninetieth anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America movement.  During this Scout Week, the National BSA Organization has dedicated Sunday, February 6th as Scout Sunday and Saturday, February 12th as Scout Sabbath.  These days are thus established so that each Scout may publicly "do his duty to God" as stated in the Scout Oath and show reverence in the spirit of the twelfth point of the Scout Law.

 

Each Scout's family is encouraged to contact their religious institution to determine if anything special is planned for Scout Sunday or Scout Sabbath.  If possible, Scouts are encouraged to wear their full uniform during their service.  Please call Mrs. McGowan with any questions.

 

 

2000 SKI TRIP:

Mount Abram, Locke Mills, Maine

19-21 February 2000 18-21 February 2000 (REVISED DATES)

Anticipated trip fee: $75.00/drivers, $95.00/non-drivers - (REVISED PRICES)

Payment deadline: 9 February 2000

Coordinator:        Mr. Andrew Merck, Assistant Scoutmaster, 359-XXXX.

 

Perhaps the most popular trip all year, the annual Ski Trip to Mount Abram usually proves to be the best deal around.  The trip fee includes transportation, lodging, all meals, and the full three-day ski pass for all trails.  Rentals and lessons are extra - approximately $40.00 for three day ski rental and $20.00 for each group lesson.  Through the generosity of the Locke Mills American Legion Post and the Mount Abram ski management, Troop 89 has consistently enjoyed three terrific days of skiing year after year for well over two decades.  For new skiers or snowboarders, there is no better place to learn how to ski or snowboard than Mount Abram.

 

Our plan is to depart for Maine on Saturday morning Friday night.  Upon arrival, we will ski/snowboard from Saturday afternoon into Saturday night, for a full “day's” worth of skiing.  Saturday, Sunday and Monday will constitute daytime skiing only – we return Monday night.  At this time, we are still coordinating our schedule with the American Legion and negotiating ski prices with the mountain, so both the dates and the prices listed above are tentative and are subject to change.  The final dates and fees will be announced as soon as they are determined.  Keep in mind, an adequate number of adult drivers is required to conduct this trip!

 

A reminder to all Troop 89 Scouts:  The Ski Trip policy mandates that all participants attend at least one (1) overnight weekend activity (other than the OA Weekend) between September 1st, 1999 and the Ski Trip in February 2000.  Eligible trips include the 1999 MASS JAM trip, the 1999 WEBELOS Weekend at Sayre Reservation, and Grotonwood.

 

 

GENERAL REMINDERS:

 

TROOP 89 SCOUTHOUSE PHONE NUMBER: (508) 359-7189

 

TROOP 89 ON-LINE: www.bsa.net/ma/t89

 

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) or 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 8:30 PM.  Membership of the Leadership Patrol and 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 positions' responsibilities.

 

Although weekly message information is listed on the troop web site, phone call and conversation in school are still the best 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. 

 

SCOUT LEADERSHIP 75% ATTENDANCE RULE:

All Scouts holding a leadership position or office are expected to attend a minimum of 75% of all Scouting activities during the Scout year.  Scout leaders who fail to meet the 75% requirement, without prior approval from the Scoutmaster, risk removal from the position.  Furthermore, as this leadership responsibility is a key advancement requirement, each Scout must maintain this 75% minimum attendance record if he hopes to achieve the goal of obtaining the Eagle rank.

 

SEASONAL OBLIGATION EXEMPTION:

A Scout leader may take a temporary leave of absence from his leadership position and responsibility to support another seasonal obligation, provided he 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.  

 

TRIP SIGN-UP AND PAYMENT DEADLINE POLICY:

All Scouts must sign-up and pay, in full, by the deadline established for any particular trip.  Scouts who do not sign-up and pay, in full, by the deadline indicated, risk losing the right to attend that particular event unless they are given permission by the Scoutmaster or Trip Coordinator due to unusual circumstances.  If, by the deadline, an inadequate number of Scouts have signed-up and paid for any particular trip, the trip will be canceled, even if interest should increase after the deadline. 

 

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.

 

ADULT LEADERSHIP MATTERS:

 

Committee Meetings:         American Legion (unless otherwise notified):

6 December 1999, 10 January 2000, 7 February 2000, 7:00 PM.

 

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

 

Scoutmaster:

Mike McGowan

359-XXXX

Assistant Scoutmaster:

Brie Hall

359-XXXX

Assistant Scoutmaster:

Jane Lomax

359-XXXX

Assistant Scoutmaster:

Bob Meaney

359-XXXX

Assistant Scoutmaster:

Andrew Merck

359-XXXX

Assistant Scoutmaster:

John Merck

359-XXXX

Assistant Scoutmaster:

Peter Mitchell

359-XXXX

Assistant Scoutmaster:

Jim Schwartz

359-XXXX

Assistant Scoutmaster:

Brandon Wilhelm

359-XXXX

 

Troop 89 Committee:

C

Chairperson:

Steve Fernandes

359-XXXX

Advancement Chairperson:

Linda Stenquist

359-XXXX

Trip Coordinator:

Rick Wile

359-XXXX

Treasurer:

John Stenquist

359-XXXX

Fund Raising Coordinator:

Jim O’Malley

359-XXXX

Quartermaster:

David Biedrzycki

359-XXXX

Scouthouse Operations:

Jerry Kazanjian Sr.

359-XXXX

Activity Night Coordinator:

Lauren Harrington

359-XXXX

Service and Good Turn:

Patti Schwartz

359-XXXX

Publicity:

Louise Kazanjian

359-XXXX

Uniform Exchange:

Chris Greenaway

359-XXXX

Newsletter Support:

Kim Mitchell

359-XXXX

Chaplain:

Maureen McGowan

359-XXXX

General Committee:

Marcie Hall

359-XXXX

Warry Lomax

359-XXXX

Ted Miller

359-XXXX

Cheryl O’Malley

359-XXXX

Troop Unit Commissioner:

Ken Prager

359-XXXX

Troop Charter Partner Rep.:

Mike Short Sr.

359-XXXX

 

Troop 89 welcomes Brandon Wilhelm, who graduated from the troop as a Life Scout in November, to the position of Assistant Scoutmaster.

 

Despite the present size and strength of the Committee and band of Assistant Scoutmasters, new parents are strongly encouraged to become involved with Troop Committee matters and even consider becoming committee members or Assistant Scoutmasters.  The people listed above will not be around forever and will eventually need to be replaced.  It will be far easier for all involved to start making transitions now, while they are still around, than to wait until after they are gone.  Think about it.  If you would like to learn more about how you can help Troop 89, or if you have any questions about the adult leadership roles of the troop, please contact Mr. Steve Fernandes, Troop Committee Chairperson, at 359-XXXX.  Thanks.

 

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 happy and healthy New Year!

 

This newsletter was written, assembled, and issued by John Merck with assistance from Kim Mitchell.  Send comments or questions via email to jjmiii@sprynet.com.