Tuesday, September 29, 2009

November 13-15, 2009 - Troop 911 Webelos Weekend

Troop 911's Webelos Weekend is an adventure designed to introduce Webelos Scouts and their parents to the thrilling Scouting adventures ahead and to help them make the transition into Boy Scouting exciting. The weekend is filled with fun activities, intriguing demonstrations, and plenty of outdoor excitement. Our theme this year is Wilderness Survival.

Troop 911 is inviting all 1st and 2nd Year Webelos to attend. Troop 911 is a boy-led troop. Unlike Cub Scouts, the boys make the decisions and provide the leadership. Adults are there to give advice and to assure safety. The Webelos Scouts will be assigned to Patrols for the weekend so that they can experience a model Boy Scout Troop campout led by experienced Boy Scouts. Parents will be given an orientation on Boy Scouting and will have a relaxing weekend campout plus a chance to meet many of Troop 911's adult leaders, while their Webelos participate in troop activities.

When: November 13th, 14th, 15th
Where: Castaic Lake Recreation Area: 32132 Castaic Lake Drive, Castaic, CA 91384

We will meet to depart for this trip on Friday Evening at 6pm at Northridge United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda Blvd., Northridge, CA 91324. The cross streets are Reseda and Superior.

There will be an orientation Troop meeting on Tuesday November 10th at the same address. Come visit us even if you can't make it to this trip!


Questions: Contact our Scoutmaster, Jon Orlick
(818) 987-9840
Email: Jorlick@alwaysvending.com

October 19, 2009 - New troop introductory meeting

An exciting new opportunity for boys ages 11-17!

A new Boy Scout Troop based in the Encino / Tarzana area

If your son is interested in Camping, Hiking, Volunteering, High Adventure, Character Building, Leadership Training, and many other fun and exciting opportunities then please come with your child to an

Introductory Meeting
Monday, October 19, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Crespi Carmelite High School
Commons Hall in the New Fine Arts Building
5031 Alonzo Avenue, Encino, CA 91316

Commons Hall is located south of the Southwest corner of Alonzo and Santa Rita. Parking lot is adjacent to the Hall.

For information:
Bob Levey, Unit Commissioner
boblevey@pacbell.net
(818) 971-7333

Free LA Fed tour (Coin Collecting merit badge)

Dear Boy Scout Leaders:

I would like to invite your Boy Scout troop(s) to visit the LA Fed for a free tour.

As you are probably aware, the Federal Reserve Bank tour fulfills a requirement of the Boy Scouts of America Coin Collecting Merit Badge.


Tours are offered to groups of 8-30 people in 9th grade or above by appointment only, Monday through Thursday, excluding federal holidays. By prior approval confirmed in advance with me, we could also accommodate up to 50 scouts including at least three parent chaperones. Depending on available numbers of parent chaperones, we may be able to accommodate Cub Scouts as well.

The Bank is located in downtown Los Angeles, within walking distance of the 7th Street Metro station.

During the tour, your group will witness our cash operations and see the coin and cash supply for Las Vegas, Southern California, and Arizona. Visitors also get to try their hand at identifying counterfeit bills, see historic banknotes, and watch us shred the nation's unfit currency (up to $29 million per day).

What can people expect to see?

Visitors to the LA Branch will experience the second largest cash vault in the United States. Visitors can usually witness millions in deposits being dropped off by armored couriers on behalf of Southern California and Las Vegas banks and credit unions, counted by our vault workers and processed by high speed machines, shredded by highly sensitive lasers, and stored in our vault. The LA Branch's interactive lobby exhibit, "Fed Gallery: Your Central Bank in Focus" is a permanent installation that uses interactive technology, vivid graphics, and thought-provoking displays to highlight the Fed's role in the United States economy. The Fed's friendly tour leaders can provide tours in seven languages besides English (by prior arrangement only), so feel free to inquire.

What is the most unusual thing people can see on a tour?

Crowd favorites on a tour of the San Francisco Fed's Los Angeles Branch include a Vegas-style money wheel that asks visitors to identify counterfeit currency, a t-shirt dyed with shredded U.S. currency, an uncut sheet of $20 notes, and a map of the Twelfth Federal Reserve District featuring magnified State Quarters. Also very popular is the Branch's historic currency collection featuring notables including an 1899 $5 note featuring Sioux Chief Running Antelope; $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 notes; and fractional currency (paper coins) used during the Civil War.

Please feel welcome to contact me if you like more information. I would be happy to assist you or mail you a brochure. You can learn more about the tour at the self-service reservation web site.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Kind regards,
Andrea Abrams
Education Coordinator
Economic Education
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Los Angeles Branch
(213) 683-2353
(213) 683-2481 fax
E-mail: Andrea.Abrams@sf.frb.org

Monday, September 28, 2009

October 8-10 and October 22-24, 2009 - Wood Badge training (scholarship available)

Western Los Angeles County Council has just announced the availability of a 50% scholarship for the upcoming Wood Badge class to be held at Camp Josepho on two weekends:

October 8-10, and October 22-24
Each from Thursday 7:30AM through Saturday 5PM

If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please contact:

Glenn Tong, Course Director
glynrd@sbcglobal.net
(661) 265-7509

Apply ASAP!

Ron Fitzgerald
Crescent Bay Training Chair

Friday, September 25, 2009

November 20-22, 2009 - Troop 307 fishing trip

Scout Troop 307 is having their annual overnight fishing charter on the Ranger 85 out of Oxnard. The boat leaves Friday night November 20, 2009 at 10pm and we fish on Saturday, we sleep overnight on the boat. The Ranger is one of the top sportfishing boats on the west coast and is 85' long with bunks for everyone. This trip opens up to interested Scouts and/or parents after October 6th, but get yourself on the waiting list now. Boy Scouts are eligible to attend without a parent, but Cub Scouts must have a parent attend with them.

Trip cost is $120 for Scouts and $130 for adults. This price includes all meals, snacks, prizes and some tackle. Pole rental is $10 and fishing licenses are needed by anyone 16 years old and older. Fish cleaning, candy, soda and tips are extra. There are a limited number of spaces available and it is first paid, first fishing. We will be fishing at the farthest Channel Island where there is no fishing pressure and the fish are plentiful and large. There are not many guarantees in this world, but we guarantee you will catch fish on this trip.

If you are interested please contact Paul Oliver at pauloliver1@sbcglobal.net

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Graffiti Watch program

The Beautification Committee of the Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council is launching a Graffiti Watch program.

Your help is needed to stop graffiti now.

When you see graffiti, contact your local "Graffiti Watchers" and have graffiti removed in 48 hours.

Call (818) 885-8885 (West Valley Alliance Graffiti Removal). Please program that number into your cell phone. A call to West Valley Alliance (paid by the GHNNC to clean graffiti) results in cleanup about one week quicker than by calling 311.

October 3, 2009 - 9th Annual Granada Hills Street Faire

9th Annual Granada Hills Street Faire
October 3, 2009 from 10 AM - 5 PM

In "Old Granada Village"
Chatsworth Street between Zelzah and Encino Avenues (map)

Join the festivities!

The 9th Annual Granada Hills Street Faire will feature arts and crafts, merchants, community groups and live entertainment on three stages. More than 200 vendors are present with many participants handing out discount coupons and free merchandise from their booths.

The Granada Hills Street Faire is an excellent way to enjoy a fun filled family day with outstanding food and free entertainment including live music on three stages, a classic car show, dance troupes and local talent. Pony rides, rock climbing, moon bounce, and face painting are available for the children. Take advantage of free health screenings.

Parking and admission to the event is free.
Rain or shine!

Visit us at the Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce booth.

Event Contact: Nicki Heyd (818) 368-3235

Friday, September 18, 2009

Adopt-a-Trail program

The Adopt-A-Trail program is part of the COSCA (Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency) Volunteer Corps. This program is designed to encourage local participation in the on-going maintenance and building of public trails and related improvements through the adoption of specific trails, or portions thereof, by an individual, group or organization (Sponsors).

Sponsors agree to be responsible for the maintenance and/or development of a trail or a trail segment located within the Conejo Open Space system. The work on the adopted trail or trail segment may be performed directly by the adopting Sponsors, or funds may be donated specifically for this purpose. A minimum 1-year commitment is required to participate in this program.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Camp Whitsett - Buy a brick

Had a great time at Camp Whitsett and want to show it off? Buy a brick!

Show your Troop's pride by purchasing one of two sizes and your brick will be part of the wall around our new parade ground!

Download the form and complete your donation!

  • Standard bricks with two lines of text cost $75
  • Large bricks with three lines of text cost $200

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

October 2009 through January 2010 - Boy Scout Shooting Sports Days

Oct 17, Dec 19, and Jan 16

$20 per person

Space is limited

Panorama Sportsman’s Club is pleased to offer a shooting sports program for Boy Scout troops and families, a day of fun and safe firearms instruction at their privately owned and operated 85-acre shooting ranges located in northern Los Angeles County.

  • Firearms safety classes taught by NRA-certified safety officers.
  • One-on-one instruction in riflery and shotgun by certified NRA- and BSA-approved instructors.
  • Merit badge training, counseling, and qualifying.

All firearms and ammunition will be supplied for both .22-caliber rifle and shotguns.

Lunch is included as well (main course, drink, and dessert).

You may also inquire about making it an overnight activity, as the facility has camping areas available for use too.

Contact Mark Cohen, the youth coordinator for Panorama Sportsman’s Club, at mfcohen@sbcglobal.net - all inquiries will be answered within 24 hours.

Panorama Sportsman’s Club is located in Lopez Canyon, Sylmar, close to where the 118 and 210 freeways meet. Exact directions will be provided when reservations are made.

September 25, 2009 - Troop 911 Spaghetti Dinner

Troop 911
Annual Spaghetti Dinner

Friday, September 25, 2009
6:30 Dinner and Movie Night

Only $6 per person

All you can eat spaghetti, meatballs, salad and rolls

Northridge United Methodist Church
9650 Reseda Blvd.
Northridge, CA 91324

Contact Julie Blair (818) 368-8620 or Troop 911 scouts for tickets

September 26, 2009 - Blood Drive and Health Expo

The Granada Hills Rotary Club, along with AYSO Region 8 and LA Recreation and Parks, will be sponsoring a Blood Drive and Health Expo on Saturday, September 26 at the Granada Hills Recreation Center. There will also be a fundraising pancake breakfast and hot dog lunch at the park that day.

The Granada Hills Rotary Club would like the Balboa Oaks District to set up a BSA booth at the event. This is a great recruitment opportunity for Balboa Oaks as this event is cosponsored by AYSO Soccer. There will be over 800 youth at the park that day just with AYSO, not to mention siblings and kids just at the park to play. Please contact Paul Oliver at pauloliver1@sbcglobal.net if you are interested in participating in a booth.

Granada Hills Recreation Center
(formerly Petit Park)
16730 Chatsworth St.
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Saturday, September 26, 2009
8 am - 4 pm

$5 contribution for non-blood donors

Donors receive:
  • T-shirt
  • Pancake breakfast or hot dog lunch
  • Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream coupon


For more information, contact Jim Feffer at (818) 802-8452 or LOFJF@aol.com

Monday, September 14, 2009

Eagle Project inspiration

Hello Scouts and Parents,

Some Scouts need an example of an Eagle Project. This one is a little high-end but it goes to show that the limits are astronomically high. To all those Life Scouts out there I say, go for it! Check out Scout Alex Griffith's website and the CNN video. See what teenaged boys can do when given a chance...

Friday, September 11, 2009

September 26, 2009 - Devonshire Community Police Station Open House

Don't miss the Devonshire Community Police Station Open House, Saturday, Sept. 26 in Northridge.

This free event features tours of the Station, free child fingerprinting and photo IDs.

See booths and demonstrations from the Volunteer Surveillance Team, SOLID (Supporters of Law Enforcement in Devonshire), PALS (Police Activity League Supporters), CEMP (California Emergency Mobile Patrol), bicycle, narcotic, motorcycle and other specialized LAPD units.

Meet the men and women in uniform who are protecting and serving our community at Devonshire Division.

Saturday, Sept. 26
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Devonshire Community Police Station
10250 Etiwanda Ave.
Northridge

For more information contact the Community Relations Office at (818) 363-1726.

Gary Cooper stamp unveiling

Dear Scouters and Scouts,

I just wanted to thank the adult leaders, Boy and Girl Scouts that attended the Gary Cooper Stamp unveiling ceremony that was held yesterday at the Gene Autry National Center. We had a wonderful mix of Scouts, from Daisies, Brownies, Juniors Girl Scouts to Tiger Cubs up to Eagles Scouts from the Boy Scouts. A awesome showing for WLACC and the GSGLA.

Again, thank you all so much for helping out. All the scouts did a great job and I was told by many there that they were thankful for having the scouts come and were so impressed with them. Mrs. Cooper and her daughter thanks us for coming as well…. Great job Scouts…

Yours in Scouting,
Roy Powell
Vice Chairman of Programs
Balboa Oaks District
WLACC

October 14-18, 2009 - American Veterans Traveling Tribute

The American Veterans Traveling Tribute will be in Van Nuys from October 14-18 in support of Operation Gratitude. The AVTT Exhibit includes a replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall (80% scale), a Cost of Freedom display of Gold Dog Tags for every service member killed since Vietnam, a 9-11 tribute, and an art display of paintings and photos from World War II and the Korean War.

The Exhibit will be set up on the large lot adjacent to the Van Nuys National Guard Armory. Operation Gratitude will host Prep days in the Armory during that time, as we start our Assembly process the following weekend. So - this is an absolutely perfect kick-off to our Holiday Drive!

The entire event will be free to the public. Our mission is to provide our community an opportunity to pay respect to our heroes, both by visiting the Memorial and by participating in Operation Gratitude activities.

We are reaching out to schools, churches, temples, and youth, civic, fraternal and community groups, in an effort to invite as many people as possible to view The Wall and then walk over to the Armory to help with sorting Operation Gratitude product for the Packing days the next weekend.

The AVTT event daily schedule is as follows:


  • Wednesday October 14: Motorcade Escort of The Traveling Wall
    • 4:00 pm - Muster at Location to be announced
    • 5:30 pm - Greetings
    • 6:00 pm - Depart
    • 7:00 pm - Arrive at Site


  • Thursday October 15:
    • 9 am to Noon - Set up Exhibit
    • Noon to 5 pm - Quiet viewing
    • 5 pm - Opening Ceremony with candle lighting, laying of wreaths


  • Friday October 16: Open 8 am to 8 pm
    • 9 am to 3 pm - School Visits
    • 3 pm to 8 pm - Quiet Viewing


  • Saturday October 17: Family Day
    • 8 am to 8 pm - School / Church / Synagogue / Youth Group Performances, Sports Figures / Celebrity / Politician appearances
    • 1 pm - Formal Greeting


  • Sunday October 18: Open 8 am to 8 pm
    • 11 am - Memorial Service with Condor Flyover
    • Noon - Parade of Honor Past Wall
    • 6 pm to 8 pm - Breakdown



Letter writing materials, scarf-making lessons, information and snacks will be offered at the Operation Gratitude tables at The Exhibit site. All ages are invited to attend The Exhibit. Visitors 12 years and older are welcome to volunteer in the Armory to help prep products for our package assembly the following weekend.

Visitors are encouraged to bring donations for the care packages.
Suggested items are:
  • Beanie Babies
  • Bags of Candy
  • Beef Jerky - Individual Packages

For more information about the Operation Gratitude / AVTT Event, please contact opgrat@gmail.com or ptmarty@aol.com

January 30, 2010 - Pow Wow / University of Scouting / College of Commissioner Science

Western Los Angeles County Council
Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow
University of Scouting
College of Commissioner Science

A day of fun-filled, action-packed hands-on supplemental training sessions for adult leaders to help us better deliver a fun and exciting program to our youth

Most sessions are 50 minutes - a few are longer - you select the 6 you want

Where? Pinecrest School, 5975 Shoup Ave., Woodland Hills (corner of Shoup and Oxnard)
When? Saturday, January 30, 2010, 8 am - 4 pm
Cost? $15 (includes lunch, CD packed with resources and a day of fun and information); Staff Contribution: $5
What to bring? Wear your uniform, bring notepad, pen, tote bag, your enthusiasm and Scout Spirit

Thursday, September 10, 2009

October 17-18, 2009 - Jamboree on the Air

In support of the 52nd annual Jamboree on the Air (JOTA), we are looking for Scouts, Scouters, and Ham Radio operators to help with the largest JOTA celebration in this council's history over the weekend of October 17th and 18th, 2009.

We would like every district to have some involvement. I know in the past Crescent Bay and Cahuenga have participated heavily each year. This year we are trying to get more districts involved.

Here is what we need:

  1. If you know of any JOTA operation in the Los Angeles area (including other councils) please let us know the details quickly so we can help publicize it.
  2. If you are a Scout, Scouter, or Ham Radio operator and would like to have something in your district and need some guidance or equipment (or have knowledge or equipment) then contact me ASAP.
  3. If you know of anyone who might be interested then please forward this message.

You can call LA County REACT to find a training date in your community or for getting your Ham Radio operators license. This is available for CB (Citizens Band), FRS (Family Radio Service) and GMSR (General Management Status Review).


Our troop uses FRS radios as part of our Safety First plan; each leader has a unit and a designated frequency. These FRS radios also have weather channels as an extra added bonus. We use these so that we can communicate with the rest of the group should there be a need for separation from one another, or emergency communications for 911 when cell phone operation is not a viable option. The nationwide call for distress is Channel 9 for both CB and FRS communications.

We bought several FRS radios with chargers for $75.00 per pair and they can use regular batteries as well. Prices vary depending on the range of effective communications; ours cover a 30 mile radius and they work very well in mountaineering outdoors with limited interference.

Les Salay
Pack/Troop Master-Unit 921
Unit Commissioner
scoutingus@aol.com

Adopt a Street

City Council member Greig Smith and the Bureau of Street Services are establishing a government community partnership which allows neighborhood groups, businesses, and residents to participate in a street cleaning and beautification pilot project.

This pilot program is available to volunteers who want to participate by providing labor, donating materials, and/or sponsoring the Bureau of Street Services to perform the additional clean up work.

This program can be accomplished through an agreement with the city to keep the sidewalks and landscaped areas clean. To help fulfill this obligation, the Department of Public Works will provide brooms, rakes, shovels, trash bags, gloves, safety vests and trash pick-up.

What can you do?
  • Pick up litter
  • Remove weeds
  • Rake leaves
  • Remove graffiti
  • Report any street hazards
  • Irrigate landscaped areas

Monday, September 7, 2009

October through November 2009 - Cahuenga District Training

Calling all Boy Scout leaders: Come get trained this fall! It's easy, it's fun, and good golly, it'll make your time with Scouting so much easier!

The Cahuenga District - in regular cooperation with the Balboa Oaks District (as well as Las Colinas and, this fall, also Crescent Bay!) - proudly presents the training schedule for October and November 2009.

Come get trained, bring a friend, expand your horizons, have fun doing it, and make your Scout leadership easier...

Don't delay--
We need your sign-ups today!

See you at Training!

Greg Small
Cahuenga District Training Chair
gdsmall@yahoo.com
(818) 981-1278

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Local parks and recreation areas

We are fortunate to have a large number of excellent parks, open spaces and nature areas in the Valley, where you can enjoy a relaxing day with family, friends or your Scout units. Some of these places are better known than others.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

October 17, 2009 - Giant used book sale

The Chatsworth Friends of the Library is holding a Giant Used Book Sale on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Chatsworth Branch Library, 21052 Devonshire St., from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Hardback books are $1. Paperback books are 50 cents. Child and teen books are three for $1 or 50 cents each. Funds go to purchase new books for the library and sponsor library programs.

Be prepared for the "big one"

This is the 150th anniversary of the last great San Andreas Earthquake. Dare to Prepare is a campaign to prepare for the next big quake.

100 Years of Scouting Calendar Medal

Celebrate what Scouting means to you with a special-edition BSA 100th Anniversary Calendar Medal! Whether your Scouting experience meant a well-spent youth or a lifetime of service, this beautiful three-inch medallion will perfectly commemorate your unique Scouting connection. Place this stunning medal on your mantel or in a place of honor and bring to life the historic tradition of calendar medals. Throughout 2010 and beyond, you’ll be able to cherish every Scouting date and memory with a highly distinctive commemorative that will last a lifetime.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Collecting donated shoes

Angela Garcia, Cadet Girl Scout, Troop 464 (Greater Los Angeles - Granada Hills), is working on her Silver Award. Angela is the sister of Raymond Garcia, an Eagle Scout from BSA Westchester Troop 915 (2007).


All donations must be collected by October 1, 2009.

Inquiries can be sent to:
collectingshoes@verizon.net
(818) 892-0202

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Free Pinewood Derby track

Pack 307 has a used Pinewood Derby track to give to a good home. It is made of wood and has six lanes. It is in need of refurbishing, but if you need one, the price is right - free.

If you are interested, contact Lauri Sherbon at lsherbon@socal.rr.com