Wednesday, October 28, 2009

December 6, 2009 - Veterans Holiday Celebration

I am contacting you on behalf of the Veterans Holiday Celebration. On the first Sunday of every December, the Veterans Department of Voluntary Services, VA VGLA, Family of Women, Men’s Divisions International, and the community at large, along with over 500 volunteers and local businesses, come together to provide a memorable meal, gifts, and entertainment, as well as much needed appreciation to over 3000 veterans and their families. The event will be held at the Veterans Administration on Wilshire Blvd., Sunday, December 6 at 1:00 p.m.

We need volunteers for everything from making Xmas cards to go into our gift bags, to serving food, to making decorations, etc. If any of your troops would be interested in helping out, I left my contact information below. For more information about our organization or the event please log on to our website.

We are also holding a Style-a-Thon fundraiser on Monday, November 9 at Robyn Michael's Salon in Northridge to raise funds for the event. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the Veterans Holiday Celebration. Thank you so much for your time.

Sincerely,

Carolina Chavez, VHC Spirit Manager
ccchavez24@yahoo.com
(661) 714-8349

Mountain High Ski Resort Scout Programs and Merit Badges

Fun and exciting activities and merit badges are available to your troops at discounted prices at Mountain High Ski Resort.

Mountain High is Southern California's closest winter resort located just 75 minutes from Los Angeles and Orange County. The area consists of three separate mountains (Mountain High East, West and North), and offers a wide variety of high-speed lifts and alpine trails, the world class Faultline Terrain Park, an outstanding Winter Sports School, and the region's largest tubing park for those wanting a winter adventure, but do not want to ski or snowboard.


We look forward to seeing you on the slopes!

Keri Calder
Group Sales
Mountain High Ski Resort
(760) 316-7837
keri_calder@MtHigh.com

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Thank you for Stoney Point 2009 Clean-Up

Kind Neighborhood Councils, Scouting Supporters and Volunteers:

On behalf of Troop 921, I want to thank all of you for your support, donations and involvement in this year's Stoney Point Clean-Up 2009.

Thanks to:

  • The Chatsworth Neighborhood Council and Jelena Csanyi for partnering with the Scouts and the kind donation of food and support for the event!
  • Megan Cottier from the office of Councilman Greig Smith for the support and contact information for getting the rakes, shovels, and trash bags.
  • Barri Worth from the office of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for the donation of water and the contacts for the Department of public Works.
  • As in years before, we wish to acknowledge the hard work in coordinating and supporting this project from REI Northridge who taught a "leave no trace" demonstration and the many raffle items they donated. Thank you Jean Lym!
  • The Northridge Neighborhood Council for publicity on their web site.
  • Last but not least, I wish to thank all the volunteers who worked so diligently in the true Scout spirit towards the betterment of our community and our environment ... a job well done!

Your dedication and involvement towards keeping our community clean for all to enjoy is a testament for all to follow.

From all of us to all of you ... thanks for your efforts!

See you all next year!

Forever a Scout,

Les Salay
scoutingus@aol.com

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Eagle Scout Project at Vasquez Rocks Park

My name is Karcsi Toghia and I am a Life Scout with Troop 92 in Northridge. I have been with Troop 92 for 4 years and ever since I joined, have wanted to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. It is now time for me to complete my Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project and since I turn 18 at the end of February, I am on a fast track to finish.

I have chosen for my project repairs and prevention of erosion on a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail at Vasquez Rocks Natural Park in Aqua Dulce, off the 14 freeway. The length of the trail is approximately 2/10ths of a mile (320 meters). Some of the repairs are to remove the burm, tread and sloughing to make the trail level, create water bars and build a retaining wall of approximately 36 feet to prevent erosion. Once repaired, the trail will be safer, more resistant to the natural elements such as rain and wind, and bring enjoyment and safety to hikers for a long time.

I am asking for volunteers to help with manual labor to get my project done long before Thanksgiving. I will offer snacks, free lunch and water and I only ask that you bring personal water bottles or backpacks that hold water (such as Camelbak) if you can to avoid disposable water bottles.

I have scheduled to start on Saturday, October 31st from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and Sunday, November 1st from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. I have also put aside Saturday, November 7th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Please call or email me to let me know if the Scouts in your Troop are interested in helping with this project and when they could come to help.

Wear clothes for working outside, especially boots or closed toed shoes and don’t forget your sunscreen. There will be a limited amount of shovels and other tools, but if you have any, please bring them. We will have a base camp with shade for rest and refreshments. Transportation to the base camp and project area will also be provided.

I appreciate any support you can give me and look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely,

Karcsi Toghia
Life Scout
Troop 92
(818) 486-1007 cell
Simpsons4110@yahoo.com

November 21, 2009 - Volunteers for Veterans Home Grand Opening

We are looking to the Boy Scouts for volunteers at the William J. "Pete" Knight open house and BBQ on Saturday, November 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We would also like them to come to the grand opening on 11/20 at 10 a.m. as well, and we will be sending out an invitation for that. 10-20 volunteers would be wonderful, and it could be anything - folding and setting up chairs or ushers or tearing down the tables and chairs. Thank you in advance so much! We are looking forward to seeing you all there!


Jeanne Bonfilio
Public Information Officer II
California Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Homes of Greater Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
6150 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 305
Van Nuys, CA 91401
(818) 742-1761
(310) 775-7980 cell

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

October 31, 2009 - Pack 921 Harvest Festival

Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 31st
12 - 4 pm
Northridge Christian Church
18901 Chatsworth St.
Northridge, CA 91326
Free admission

Rocket sales

Up, up, and away! Selected supplies of Estes Rockets and materials up to 50% off at the Scout Shops in Antelope Valley and Van Nuys. Limited offer while supplies last.

Monday, October 19, 2009

National Scouting Museum

Tell us your Scouting stories!

The National Scouting Museum is preserving personal stories of Scouting's first 100 years. We want to hear yours! Please contact Gail Mayfield, assistant curator, at (800) 303-3047 or gail.mayfield@scouting.org for details.

Remember your Scoutmaster? Any brushes with heroism or danger? What happened on your first campout? Share your memories!

Tell us your stories when and where you like. We'll send you recording equipment... you record your stories and send it back postage paid.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Scouts work to bring Latinos into ranks

"We need to reach out to everybody, not just white kids."
-Paul Oliver, Balboa Oaks District chairman for Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America are looking for a few good boys, preferably Latinos.

"These kids didn't have grandfathers, fathers or uncles grow up in Scouting; they don't know what we're about," says Bob Mazzuca, chief Scout executive for the country's largest youth organization with approximately 2.8 million members.

October 2009 through March 2010 - Bird walks

Second Saturday Bird Walks for Families and Beginners
9 - 11 am
October through March
Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve (free)

San Fernando Valley Audubon will lead free second Saturday bird walks for families and beginners:
  • October 10, 2009
  • November 14, 2009
  • December 12, 2009
  • January 9, 2010
  • February 13, 2010
  • March 13, 2010
Stroll through the lovely Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, enjoying its trails and lake. Many birds come here in winter. Learn about the birds and why they come here.

These walks are for
  • People trying their first bird walk
  • Beginning birdwatchers
  • Families with school-age children
Time and meeting place: The Wildlife Area entrance and amphitheater are in the southeast part of Woodley Park. Meet at the amphitheater at 9 am.

Directions: Turn north from Burbank Blvd. onto Woodley Ave., which is 1/2 mile east of the San Diego Freeway (I-405). Travel about 1/2 mile to the second possible right turn and turn east (right) at the sign for the Wildlife Reserve. Bear right at the fork in the road and go east 1/2 mile to the Wildlife Area parking. Walk south past the monumental rocks and restroom building to the amphitheater.

Equipment and clothing: Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing. A cap or hat with a brim is suggested. We have binoculars to loan or you can use your own.

More information: Muriel Kotin at (310) 457-5796 or Linda Jones at (818) 831-6061. Reservations are not needed except for large groups. Rain cancels.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

December 5, 2009 - Scout Day with the LA Kings

LA Kings vs. St. Louis Blues
December 5, 2009 at 1 pm
Staples Center

Tickets are only $23!
(Upper 300 Level – Center/Corner)

Along with the exciting Kings hockey game, every ticket will include:
  • An exclusive LA Kings Scout Patch
  • Participation Certificate
  • Commemorative Luc Robitaille Hall of Fame Bobblehead

For more information or to order, please contact Jocelyn Reyes at jreyes98@aol.com

Since this is a very popular event, payments must be received on or before November 25.

Make checks payable to Jocelyn Reyes and mail to:
23062 Conde Dr.
Valencia, CA 91354

Once reservation is confirmed via email, tickets are non-cancellable/non-refundable and would have to be paid even if you are unable to attend the event. Thanks for understanding!

Scouts helping the military troops

What do you do with all that Halloween candy you get?

Support Our Military Troops

Blue Star Mothers of the Canyons and Prayer Angels for the Military are sending packages to our deployed troops. You can help by donating candy or other needed items.

Donations can be dropped off at:
Boy Scout Service Center
24338 Walnut St.
Newhall, CA 91321
(661) 284-6330
Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat 10 am - 2 pm
Thu 3 - 7 pm
closed on Friday

Donations need to be dropped off by November 7th at 2 pm.

Scout leaders can also bring candy and other items to the November 5 Roundtable at 7:30 pm.

Cash donations for postage is also very welcome. It costs $11.95 per box to send. Tax-deductible checks can be made out to Blue Star Mothers.

Some much needed items:

Toiletries
  • Alka Seltzer
  • Antibacterial Handwash
  • Foot powder
  • Bandaids
  • Chapstick
  • Disposable razors
  • Floss
  • Kleenex Packs
  • Listerine Sheets
  • Lotion, Sunscreen
  • Mole Skin
  • Pain Reliever
  • Travel size Shampoo
  • Travel size Conditioner
  • Shaving cream
  • Travel size Q-tips
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes
  • Vitamin C drops
  • Cough drops
  • Wet Ones / baby wipes singles

Comforts and fun
  • AT&T phone cards
  • Crossword puzzle books
  • Disposable cameras
  • DVDs (upbeat)
  • Hacky sacks
  • Nerf balls
  • Notepads
  • Playing cards
  • Small checkers / chess games

Goodies
  • Assorted candy
  • Breakfast / Energy / Power Bars
  • Cookies / Crackers Snack Paks
  • Crystal Light, Kool-Aid singles
  • Cup O Noodles
  • Dried Fruit, Nuts, Jerky
  • Gum
  • Hot chocolate packets
  • Microwave popcorn
  • Pringles
  • Chips
  • Pretzels
  • Tuna in foil packets

Other
  • Heavy socks
  • Paperback books
  • Pens
  • Pencils
  • Stationery
  • Envelopes

For more info, call Kymmer Crookston (661) 259-6306

10-Year-Old Autistic Boy Saves His Teacher's Life

Houston, TX -- A 10-year-old autistic boy in Texas is being hailed as a hero after he performed the Heimlich maneuver on his teacher while she was choking.

Sherri Lowe and 10-year-old Kyle Forbes were alone in class at Hyde Elementary. Lowe was eating an apple and began choking. Forbes says he learned the Heimlich Maneuver in Cub Scouts and knew immediately what to do.

"I was choking and he squeezed me like that twice." says Lowe "The first time it didn't work, so he goes, 'I got it, Mrs. Lowe.' And he does it again, exactly the right way and the apple came out."

Forbes says he learned the Heimlich Maneuver in Cub Scouts and knew immediately what to do.

Lowe calls him her hero, a title Kyle Forbes is happy to accept. "I mean that was the first time I've ever saved someone's life in an accident. That's the first time I've ever done it."

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

2010 Commemorative Coin

Next year, the United States Mint will offer 2010 Boy Scouts Centennial Silver Dollar commemorative coins. The Boy Scouts coins are authorized under Public Law No: 110-363, first proposed under H.R. 5872 The Boy Scouts of American Centennial Commemorative Coin Act.

The program will feature commemorative silver dollars with a weight of 26.73 grams, diameter of 1.5 inches, and composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. The coins will be minted in a quantity of up to 350,000 coins across available uncirculated and proof versions.

Only one United States Mint facility may be used to strike any particular version.

Friday, October 9, 2009

October 23-24, 2009 - The Haunted Bus

Devonshire Community Policing Unit presents The Haunted Bus
The many faces of Halloween for the criminally insane!

Join your LAPD Devonshire Division Officers
October 23rd and 24th 2009
Devonshire Station
10250 Etiwanda Avenue
6:00pm 'til 10:00pm

Haunted House, Kids jumper, Mr. Joey Magic, ghostly goodies and screaming spooks, all right
here in the safety of our police station in our back lot!

Kids of all ages: bring your best carved pumpkins and dress up in your ghoulishly great costumes to win our pumpkin and costume contests!

Admission: $1.00 donation towards our Devonshire Explorers/Station Fund

For more information contact Erika De Smith at (818) 363-1726 or Officer Danny Del Valle (818) 634-0362

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

December 26, 2009 - A Christmas Carol

Troop 513 (Santa Clarita) invites you to

Disney's 3-D - A Christmas Carol - featuring Jim Carrey
December 26th, 2009
3 pm (Showtime is actually 4 pm, but theater opens at 3 pm)
El Capitan Theatre
6838 Hollywood Blvd.

Guests need to form in line as soon as they get to El Capitan.
Seats are not reserved for this event! First in line, first to go inside!
Tickets can be picked up a week prior from Jocelyn Reyes' home in Valencia, or I can hand them to you at the theater.

You won't want to miss the holiday magic at El Capitan Theater!
  • Disney's 3-D - A Christmas Carol - featuring Jim Carrey
  • Movie buttons exclusive to our group
  • Plus - before the movie, see an all-new live stage show Holiday Spectacular - featuring singing, dancing, and your favorite Disney characters!
  • Bring your autograph books for autograph opportunities
  • Bring your cameras for Kodak moments with your favorite Disney character
  • Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie:
    • See real artifacts direct from the Charles Dickens museum in London
    • See concept art, models, maquettes, and costumes
    • Plus much, much more!


Advance tickets are now available to my group on a first-come, first-served basis!
Cost is only $13 (Scouts/adult) - includes processing/handling/shipping fees for tickets and buttons
This does not include food or parking, please... Carpooling is the best way to go!

If you are going as a Troop/Pack group - you need to obtain a Tour Permit and email me a copy. No exceptions, please - or I will not issue tickets.

RSVP to Jocelyn Reyes at jreyes98@aol.com

Please make checks payable to Jocelyn Reyes and mail to:
Jocelyn Reyes - Disney
23062 Conde Dr.
Valencia, CA 91354

I will be sending more detailed info to all participants, including consent forms, by December 5.

Once reservation is confirmed via email, tickets are non-cancellable/non-refundable and would have to be paid by reserving parties even if they are unable to go on the event date. Thanks for understanding!

Don't wait until the last minute as I only have a limited number of seats at this price and offer!
Cut-off date for ticket sales will be November 30th, 2009. Payment has to be on my hand by this date.
And remember: The movie buttons are exclusive to my group.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Jamboree on the Air 2009 update

The Western Los Angeles County Council invites you to participate in the 52nd Annual Jamboree on the Air
Saturday and Sunday October 17-18th, 2009

Two locations on different days!

Saturday October 17th
Las Colinas District Operating W9LQI
Sage Ranch Park (moved from McGrath State Beach) 11am-4pm
Contact Robert Hutchinson for exact details
(818) 888-8175 or r.f.hutchinson-cpa@sbcglobal.net

Sunday October 18th, 2009 12pm – 4pm
Crescent Bay District Operating WE6BSA
Hosted by Loyola Marymount University
Westchester, CA (Use LMU Drive Entrance)
Contact Sanford Weinberg (323) 937-1165 or sanford@bhtroop360.org for more info
Cost $8 per scout (Includes Patch) and $3 parents / siblings
Loyola Marymount University
1 LMU Drive (use LMU Drive entrance; between Pereira Engineering Hall and Doolan)
Westchester, CA 90045
More details and map on the Crescent Bay web site
Special SoCal Scout Communication on 28.450 (10 meters) 147.270 (2 meters)

What is JOTA?

When Scouts want to meet young people from another country, they usually think of attending a World Jamboree. But few people realize that each year more than 400,000 Scouts and Guides "get together" over the airwaves for the annual Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA). Modern technology offers Scouts the exciting opportunity to make friends in other countries without leaving home.

JOTA is an annual event in which Boy and Girl Scouts and Guides from all over the world speak to each other by means of Amateur (ham) Radio. Scouting experiences are exchanged and ideas are shared via radio waves. Since 1958 when the first Jamboree-on-the-Air was held, millions of Scouts have met each other through this event. Many contacts made during JOTA have resulted in pen pals and links between Scout troops that have lasted many years.

With no restrictions on age or on the number of participants, and at little or no expense, JOTA allows Scouts to contact each other by ham radio. The radio stations are operated by licensed amateur radio operators. Many Scouts and leaders hold licenses and have their own stations, but the majority participates in JOTA through stations operated by local radio clubs and individual radio amateurs. Some operators use television or computer-linked communications.

For more information or questions see the JOTA webpage or contact Sanford Weinberg at sanford@bhtroop360.org or (323) 937-1165. Talk in and Local Coordination on 147.270+ PL100.0

Nobel Middle School clean-up project

We are in need of volunteer pledges for the clean up project on Merridy Street across from Nobel. Please review the volunteer pledge sheet that is recommended for the grant request. At this time, we do not yet know the project dates because it is contingent upon grant winner notification by LA City and the contractor's availability. I can tell you if we win the grant, the project must start some time after February 15, 2010 and be completed within 9 months. We will likely do the project in the spring, and we will apprise you as soon as we know the project dates.

Please get volunteers to sign up and pledge the number of hours they can volunteer; we hope volunteers will pledge about 2-4 hours. Tools, supplies and refreshments will be provided.

This attachment must accompany the grant request we will submit to LA City. You may print out and distribute as many sheets as you wish. We request you provide completed sheets by October 13, 2009 . You can email me or call me to let me know they are complete, and I will pick them up from the most convenient place.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at my number below.

Thank you for supporting A Noble Cause for Nobel Middle School.

Juativa Spurlock
Neighborhood Enhancement Committee
Northridge West Neighborhood Council
(818) 648-8974
jspurlock2@socal.rr.com