Vol. 13, No. 3 June 2008
THE NEWS AT TWELVE
TROOP 12 - ST. PETER'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF LIVINGSTON
http://www.troop12livingstonnj.org
"All the News that Fits"
2007-08 CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES
The following is the calendar of future events in which members of Troop
12 will participate during the 2007/08 season:
7/27 – 8/3:
Summer Camp at Yawgoog Scout Reservation
We will hold a Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) meeting the first Monday of
each month
First Wednesday of each month we will hold a Troop Committee meeting
The first Thursday of each month we will conduct a Board of Review
We publish this calendar of events in order
to give your son ample opportunity to get the most out of the Scouting program
this season.
COMING EVENTS
On July 4th, Troop 12 will participate in the town’s opening
flag ceremony at the Haines Pool. Scouts must be in uniform and will be
contacted about the meeting time. Also, we have been asked to help set up the
flea market at the Force Home as we did last year.
On Sunday, July 27 we head for Camp Yawgoog. We will meet at 10:30
AM in order to collect and check the medical forms (two copies are required) to
make sure they are in proper order. All Scouts must travel in Class “A”
uniform.
In August, we will likely perform our annual service project at St.
Peter’s for the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN). During the week some
homeless families will stay at the church. Our Scouts help by setting up for
their stay and entertaining the children one night. Scouts will be contacted
with further details later.
PREPARE FOR SUMMER CAMP
At this time, it appears that we will have 40 Scouts and 22 adults attend
summer camp this year. However, there are a couple of things that must be done
before leaving for camp.
1)
Everyone,
boys and adults, must have a current physical documented on a Class 3 Medical
Form signed by a doctor. Scouts can use last year’s form but
it must be updated with current information and re-signed by a parent. All
adults need a medical form. An adult over age 40 cannot use last year’s
form but must have one with a current doctor’s signature. Younger adults can
use last year’s form with updated information. All forms, whether
current or last year’s, must have a doctor’s signature. Blank medical
forms can be obtained from Mr. Barnard
or from the Troop 12 web site or NNJC web site link in our web site. Each
person must bring the two copies on the day we leave for camp. We carry
the medical form copies on all our campouts in case of emergency.
2)
Scouts should get on the Troop 12 web site or the
Narragansett Council web site (through the Scouting links on our web
site) to find the table of merit badges that can be earned at camp. Included in
this table is a list of the requirements that must be passed prior to arriving
at camp. If this is not done the badge cannot be completed and the Scout will
earn only a “partial” merit badge, which he must complete with a counselor
at home.
Please remember that all Scouts must travel to and from camp in their
Class A Scout uniform. They will also be required to wear their uniform at
retreat and dinner each evening.
The boys will need some spending money at camp. The trading post will
sell them patches, T-shirts, hats, candy, soda, and sundry other essentials. A
few years ago, a couple of Scouts got carried away and bought cartons of candy
with which to gorge themselves. In order to avoid a repeat of this frenzy, the
adults plan to collect the boys’ funds and keep them locked up in a “bank”
at the campsite. The boys can make prudent withdrawals when they wish. They may
need to buy merit badge books, which run about $4.00. They will also need to buy
a fast food supper on the way home from camp.
Adults can research and learn how to register for training at camp
through the Troop 12 website.
NEXT SEASON TO BE PLANNED
Adult and selected junior leaders will meet at Mr.
Brady’s on July 2nd to plan next year’s activities.
The members of the troop were polled to see what campouts they would like us to
schedule. If anyone has any other suggestions, please contact Mr.
Barnard or Mr. Brady before the
meeting.
WINTER
CAMPING AT SANDY HOOK
In past years, we have had beautiful weather for our trips to Sandy Hook.
However, on the weekend of 2-4 May, it was more like a winter campout. Much of
the time, the temperature was in the 40s and 50s with a high wind, so the
campers stayed bundled up. On the plus side, there were no mosquitoes and few
ticks to annoy us. Although they visited us a few times on Friday night, there
were not many raccoons around either.
At one time or another, we had as many as 37 Scouts and 23 adults in
attendance. Although we occupied the largest campsite, it was still a tight
squeeze. We had the advantage of setting up camp in the daylight for once, but
it took some time because all our new Scouts had to practice pitching tents. In
addition, because there are three pavilions in the site, we did not have to
erect dining flies. It was an exciting time for the new boys, who were talking
long after they went to bed.
After breakfast on Saturday, we had some rain as we prepared to hike over
to the bay to pick up trash. We spent about an hour on this service project,
running into a bunch folks from Comcast doing the same thing. Fortunately, there
was enough trash for both groups. In the marsh by the bay we saw a variety of
birds: Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, American Oystercatchers, and a pair of
Osprey. We also found a dead seal on the beach.
When we returned to camp, many Scouts worked on advancement before lunch.
In the afternoon, we hiked up to Fort Hancock. We visited Battery Gunnison first
and then walked to the Proving Ground and the observation deck. Late in the
afternoon, we arrived at Battery Potter, where the Park Rangers were giving a
tour. We learned a lot as the ranger led us through the damp tunnels created by
the 20-foot thick concrete walls, all the way to the top where the steam-driven
12-inch guns would appear to fire at an approaching enemy. Then it was back to
camp and time to cook dinner. Andrew
Keene baked a fabulous chocolate cake for the Alligator Patrol for dessert.
When it got dark, the Scouts put on a campfire program emceed by Teddy
He and Collin Stocks. The program
was full of skits and songs and topped off by a scary story. The tired Scouts
then went to bed and got quiet very quickly.
Of course, it rained overnight but it finally began to warm up in the
morning. After breakfast, the boys broke camp and we ended the weekend with an
evaluation of the campout and our Scouts’ Own service.
EXCEPTIONAL
CANADA TRIP
Twenty-nine Scouts and 19 adults enjoyed a fabulous event at the Stoney
Creek International Weekend (SCIW). We boarded the Celebration bus and headed
for Ontario at 9:15 PM on Thursday, June 5. Our driver was Ricky Goldsmith,
Committee Chairman and former Scoutmaster of Troop 17 in Hasbrouck Heights.
After making two rest stops, we arrived at the Golden Griddle Restaurant in
Hamilton before 6:00 AM Friday. We all enjoyed a buffet breakfast before heading
to the Confederation Park to register and set up camp.
Although we had a much larger campsite than we did two years ago, it took
a while for the boys to organize the pitching of the tents so that they fit into
the allotted space. The Scouts had free time in the afternoon and they spent it
on advancement, playing miniature golf, playing Frisbee, and playing cards. We
had expected cool weather in Canada but the temperature hit 92°,
a record for the area. Other troops arrived during the afternoon and evening and
began to set up camp. We met our old friend, Scouter Bob and a new friend,
Beverly, who was more commonly known as “Dopey”.
On Saturday, the junior leaders arranged for the patrols to cooperate on
cooking and dish washing so they were ready to march to the opening ceremony on
time. This ceremony was conducted near the cemetery containing the remains 50
American sailors who died in a storm in 1813. Then the patrols headed off to the
competitive events. Since the Camporee staff was short-handed, many of our
adults offered to help run the various stations. Since Saturday was as hot and
humid as Friday, the most popular event was held on the shore of Lake Ontario. A
generator, pump, and two fire hoses were set up and the competitors were
expected to use the high-pressure water to move a ball suspended on a cable.
Naturally, they ignored the object of the competition and spent the time hosing
each other down with the frigid lake water.
During the morning, two patrols participated in the “challenge”
events and two patrols competed in the “fun” events. In the afternoon, they
switched places. That evening, before dinner, we participated in a Scouts’ Own
service conducted for all the participants by one of the troops.
Troop 12 participated in the two events held on Saturday evening. The
pudding-eating contest was first. John
Anderson and Greg Tilley came in third but Joey
Delolosso and Steve Waxman won
second place and earned a bagful of prizes. The Karaoke event was then held in
the pavilion. Most of our Scouts participated and caused quite a sensation both
while performing and when they were in the audience. When the boys returned to
camp, they enjoyed freshly made doughnuts prepared by a troop from Pennsylvania.
Just before we awoke on Sunday morning, it rained just enough to dampen
the tents. We got up before 6:00 AM in order to get in line for the pancake
breakfast served by the Camporee staff. We then moved fast to break camp before
our bus arrived. We started to load the bus but the staff moved the closing
ceremony up ½ hour so that we could hit the road earlier. At this time, the
Camporee Chief informed our Scoutmaster that Troop 12 had won 95% of the
competitions on Saturday. The troop marched to the parade field and it was
almost embarrassing as the staff announced the patrols that had won all but
three of the competitions:
Bell Ring Gold Team
Pole Stand
Team Ramrod
Population Explosion
Team Ramrod
Gorge Cross
Gold Team
T-Shirt Swap Team
Ramrod
Log Toss Frontiersmen
Spoon Basketball Frontiersmen
Ball of String
Gold Team
Frisbee Golf Liberty
Ring Around Ring Team Ramrod
Head Spin Team Ramrod
Following the closing ceremony, we finished loading the bus and headed
for Niagara Falls. The bus driver dropped us off at the Maid of the Mist and the
campers enjoyed a good soaking in the cool mist. We then headed home and, after
a stop for lunch, we arrived back at St. Peter’s just before 8:00 PM.
TROOP
12 MAKES GOOD IMPRESSION
On Saturday evening of the SCIW weekend, the Camporee Chief made a
special effort to come to our Scoutmaster to shake his hand. He reported that
all the staff and other adults running the events during the day had commented
to him about the outstanding spirit and teamwork displayed by our patrols while
they competed in the events.
The Scoutmaster of Troop 156, Flanders, NJ, told our Scoutmaster a story
of something that happened at the 2006 SCIW. His troop stopped at a rest area in
the wee hours of Friday. The boys dressed in an assortment of civilian shorts
and t-shirts were heading into the building when a bus pulled up. The Scouts on
this bus were dressed in Class A uniforms and moved in an organized manner into
the building. His Scouts reassured him, “Don’t worry, we’ll beat them in
the competition.” He said, “Forget it, you don’t stand a chance!” Of
course, they had witnessed the arrival of Troop 12. From then on, he has had his
troop travel in uniform and when his Scouts ask him why, he replies, “Because
the Livingston troop does!”
TROOP MAKES
PRESENTATION TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
During Youth Appreciation Week, members of
Troop 12 made a presentation to School Superintendent Dr. Drager and his staff
at the Board Of Education. Mike Kulik
presented the department with a framed 2007 summer camp photo. We also gave them
a tray of cookies that they could enjoy.
MEMORIAL
DAY ACTIVITIES
May was a busy month for Troop 12 as we honored veterans. Except for the
Sandy Hook campout, each weekend in May our Scouts helped the VFW by collecting
donations for poppies at the Shop Rite. They made such a good impression that
Livingston resident Nancy Garelick (and member of the Orange Mountains District)
wrote a letter to the West Essex Tribune
to comment on how the boys did. Mrs. Garelick said, in part “…What a fine
example they are to our community and to their troop…I congratulate these
young men and their leadership.”
On Saturday, May 24, we helped the
American Legion by placing flags on the graves of Legionnaires at various
cemeteries around the area. As each flag was placed, the Scouts saluted and a
prayer was read by one of the boys. Although this project lasted only two hours,
it was an important service and reminded the 12 boys who participated of the
responsibilities of good citizenship and of the sacrifice of those who served in
the military.
On Memorial Day, for the 11th year
in a row, Troop 12 marched in the Livingston parade. At 9:30 AM, 25 Scouts
participated in the memorial service at the oval. We then walked over to the
monument erected by Troop 12 after World War II. The plaque on the monument
contains the names of Livingston residents who died in war, including four
members of Troop 12. Then we waited for our turn to begin the march to Harrison
School. Unfortunately, we marched in last section behind all the schools and
various other associations and youth organizations.
It would be more appropriate for the Scouts to march in front of these
organizations due to the fact that Scouts participate in so much relating to
Memorial Day and that teaching good citizenship is part of our program while for
other groups, the parade is just something to do before the mall opens.
It was a perfect day for marching, sunny and not too hot. Two of our boys
carried the banner for the Order of the Purple Heart while the rest of us
followed behind the Brownies, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts. Our junior leaders
led us in cheers and cadences as we marched through the crowds of cheering
residents. Several of our boys are also members of the Explorer Post sponsored
by the Livingston Police Department and they walked with this group near the
head of the line of march. When they reached the end, they jumped in a police
vehicle, changed uniforms, and did the parade all over again with the troop. The
boys carrying the Purple Heart banner did the same thing, after a stop at Dunkin
Donuts with their leader, Geoff Barnard.
TROOP
12 ENTERTAINS VETERANS
By John Anderson
On June 21, seven Scouts, Mr.
Brady and a member of the VFW (Walter Joyce) went to the Lyons VA Hospital
in Bernardsville to play bingo and donate some small items to the veterans
there. The Scouts arrived at St. Peters at 11:45 and, after a quick stop at the
VFW post to load supplies, we embarked on our adventure to Lyons. The moment we
got to the gate we were greeted by a veteran in a electric wheelchair who
saluted and talked about how he was an Assistant Scoutmaster in his old troop.
After waiting for a little while and meeting some more of the veterans, the
women in charge showed up and we were able to start our bingo game and hand out
the refreshments we brought. With the expert number callers of Colin Gardner and Brendan
Hickey, the games moved swiftly along with great fanfare. Other members of
the troop were at each table helping the veterans. One veteran at this
reporter’s table was a World War 2 veteran that was a former Prisoner of War
who was shot down twice over
Europe. After almost two hours and many smiling faces and stuffed stomachs, we
departed the hospital and went home. I personally feel that this was a great
experience and I believe the other Scouts that were there can attest to that
statement.
ANNUAL
FAMILY PICNIC CLOSES THE SEASON
What better way to wind up a successful Scouting season than with a
family picnic. Thirty-four Scouts and their families, over 80 people in all,
attended the event.
The Dickinson family hosted
the event as they have many times over the years. Expert chefs operated three
grills to keep everyone supplied with hot dogs, hamburgers, and sausages. The Chow
family brought their world-famous steak and other families brought salads,
desserts, and sodas. It was a perfect, warm night with no hint of the rain and
cool temperatures that have threatened over the years. The Scouts and their
siblings made good use of the Dickinson’s
pool and many people stayed later than usual. It was a perfect end to the
Scouting year.
VFW
APPRECIATION
On June 13, Greg Tilley conducted the final stage of his Eagle Scout service
project. He and other members of the troop gathered at the VFW to retire all the
American flags he had been collecting. Members of the VFW supervised the
ceremonial burning of the tattered flags. Afterwards, the Scouts were invited to
join the veterans for pizza and sandwiches in appreciation for all the work they
had done at the VFW building and for collecting poppy donations.
DONATIONS
RECEIVED
The Ruderman family presented
Troop 12 with a donation in commemoration of Brian
having earned the rank of Eagle. In addition, they donated the funds that Brian
had earned for selling popcorn that remained in his Scout account.
James Niemeyer, a former troop
committee member, and a group of other Troop 12 alumni called “The
Scout Men – and Their Boys”, made a generous donation to the troop last year. Shortly
after we received this donation, Mr.
Niemeyer passed away. His family has notified us that another donation has
been made in his memory to the Northern New Jersey Council on behalf of Troop
12.
INTRODUCING
THE NEW SENIOR PATROL LEADER
Mike Kulik has been selected
to serve the members of Troop 12 SPL for the 2008-2009 season.
Mike received his Arrow of
Light from Pack 59 and joined Troop 12 in April 2004. Although he admits to
moving slowly through the early ranks, he was elected Patrol Leader after he
earned his First Class rank and has been elected to that position three times.
As Patrol Leader of the Flaming Arrows, Mike
has constantly served as a skills instructor and is especially proficient at
teaching first aid. In 2007, he completed the grueling, weeklong Lifeguard BSA
course at Yawgoog. He is a graduate of the troop’s Junior Leader Training
Course and he will receive advanced training at the Scout council’s Youth
Leader Training Course in August. He is currently a member of the Livingston
Police Explorer Post.
Outside of Scouting, Mike is well rounded in his activities. He is a versatile musician,
playing guitar, bass, drums, and piano (not all at once). He has played bass for
two bands and guitar for another in addition to playing percussion in the school
band. He is also learning the art of recording.
In sports, Mike enjoys hockey, skateboarding, biking, and surfing. He works at
the YMCA as a lifeguard and swimming instructor. He is a member of the LHS Armed
Forces Club. His strong Catholic faith is well demonstrated as an active
parishioner at St. Raphael’s and because he earned his Ad Altare Dei religious
award in 2007.
PATROL LEADERS ELECTED
On May 22, our last troop meeting of the
season, we conducted patrol leader elections. Each candidate, who must have
completed Troop 12’s JLTC program, made a campaign speech just before the
balloting. The following Scouts will serve as patrol leader at summer camp and
for the first half of our 2008-09 season:
Brendan
Hickey
Cobras
Andrew
Keene
Alligators
Abhi
Shah
Flaming Arrows
Colin
Gardner
Bears
Tim
Cece will continue to lead the Liberty Patrol and Justin
Yu will continue to lead the Frontiersmen. Also, Ned Caffarra will continue to serve as Assistant Senior Patrol
Leader and John Anderson and Greg
Tilley were promoted to Junior Assistant Scoutmaster.
NEW SCOUTS
JOIN TROOP 12
Recently, two boys have started on the
trail to Eagle. Troop 12’s newest members are Benjamin
Brown and Victor Hui.
Let
us all encourage them on this trail to success.
SCOUTS ADVANCE IN
RANK
The following Scouts recently passed a Board of Review and advanced in
rank:
Tenderfoot:
Shayne Sayre
Sam Thor
2nd
Class: Jeff
DeLonge
1st
Class: Jeff
DeLonge
Colin Gardner
Derek
Lee
Maurice Wong
Star:
Peter Keene
Abhi Shah
Life:
Andrew Keene
TROOP
COMMITTEE
Scoutmaster:
Richard Barnard
597-0355
Committee
Chairman:
William
Brady 740-1571
Camping
Chairman:
Tony
Emering
Historians:
Matt
& Jeannie Couper
Assistant
Scoutmaster (Troop Guide Coordinator):
Andy
Keene
Assistant
Scoutmasters:
Geoff
Barnard
Brian
Lew (college)
Joe
Thompson
Treasurer:
Janice
Lyons
Advancement
Chairmen:
Phil
Pondiscio
Jeff
Billig
Camping
/ Activities Chairman:
Tony
Emering
Quartermaster
Advisers:
Bill
Cece
Service
Projects Chairperson:
Gail
Stocks
Publicity
Chairpersons:
Mike
& Diane Sikora
Transportation
Chairpersons:
Lisa
Barnard
Colleen
Pisciotti
Eagle
Coordinator:
Warren
Ruderman
Web
Page Coordinator:
Don
Lane
Den
Chief Coordinator:
Pak
Lew
Member
of Committee:
Matt Couper
Jack Hickey
Tim
Larney
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