November 16, 2008 - North Valley Disaster Preparedness Event

Join us for a free disaster preparedness event and learn how you and your family can become better prepared for earthquakes, wildfires, floods and other disasters, on Sunday, Nov. 16, at Fire Station 87 in Granada Hills.

The booths, displays and demonstrations offer free information from emergency planning experts on the best ways to prepare yourself, your family and your workplace in the event of a disaster. Kids can ride on the Yogi Bear Earthquake Simulator. The event is co-sponsored by area Neighborhood Councils.

Sunday, Nov. 16
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Fire Station 87
10124 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills
(just south of Devonshire St.)

For more information, call (818) 756-8501.

Volunteers needed - Support Our Troops

Would you like to write a letter of encouragement, support and thanks to one or more of our brave men and women deployed overseas?

Come to our website and find out how you can help to support our troops.

This organization is run worldwide by volunteers working to ensure deployed U.S. Service members in all branches of the military, and their families, are not forgotten.

Military-Space.org Group Mission Statement:

To ensure that deployed United States Service members in all branches of the military, and their families left behind are not forgotten.

We will provide morale-lifting mail support to service members of all branches of the U.S. military and their families serving their Nation around the world.

Additionally, we encourage patriotism in schools and communities.

We are committed to creating projects that meet the needs of soldiers, sailors, marines and their families based on their requests.

Military-Space.org Group does not claim to provide the basic necessities of comfort to the soldiers and sailors deployed in combat.

However, we do augment those necessities by providing extra items that are requested by the military personnel.

November through December 2008 - Rose Parade Float Decorating

Every year my mother and I organize Rose Parade Float Decorating volunteers for one of the float building companies, Fiesta Parade Floats. We try to get about 3,000 volunteers to turn out the week after Christmas and for 6 weekend dates through November and December. We organize this through Girl Scouts, but it's open to Boy Scouts, youth groups, high school bands, etc, etc. We especially like having the Boy Scouts out there and thought we'd try to do some more recruiting for their participation this year. Participating troops have the option to get paid (not a lot, around 50 cents and hour per person) for their time. Some troops are able to raise a few hundred dollars each year. So this can be a great fundraiser in addition to a great experience.

1. All the info, including the registration form, is on the website.
2. We highly recommend and request that every troop come down for one "dry decorating" day - prep days that take place on 6 weekend days in Nov. and Dec, if they wish to come for the days after Christmas.
3. Age requirements: Dry Days in Nov. and Dec. - 4th grade Boy Scouts and older. After Christmas (Dec 26-30th) 6th grade Boy Scouts and older. 1 adult per group minimum. (We love having plenty of adults though!) Friends and siblings who fall within those ages are welcome to come along.
4. Shifts are 8 hours. 8am - 4pm or 4pm - 11pm or Midnight. No leaving early. 4th and 5th grade groups who come for Dry Days have the option of 4 hour shifts.
5. To register, download the registration form off the website, fill it out in Word, save it, e-mail it to Coyote1980@aol.com as an attachment.
6. After visiting the website, if you have more questions call (818) 887-9015, ask for Candy or Erin.
7. Do not come in uniform! Wear grubby clothes fit for the dumpster when you're done.
   

Thank you for your consideration, and I wish you and your family all the best.

Erin Tomanek
co-leader, Sea Scout Ship 1351

Order of the Arrow update

Dear fellow Achoicominga Arrowman:

For all of you that missed the OA fellowship this weekend, all had a great time. The theme was OA Olympics and our chapter brought home several gold medals and a silver in the competition. The food was great and so was the fellowship!

Also, we have a lot to be proud of as the Achoicominga Chapter is now home of the 2009 Malibu Lodge Chief, Jordan Orlick. Jordan was elected Lodge Chief by his fellow arrowmen at fellowship. In addition, Jordan also serves as Section W4A (now WC1) Section Secretary! A big congratulations to Jordan. He will need some support from his Chapter and District. Let us be there for him and follow his leadership. Go Achoicominga!

David Seifert

November 8, 2008 - Troop 622 (Ventura County) Free Recycling of Electronic Items

All California residents and businesses welcome

Where: Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 4191 Cochran St., Simi Valley, CA 93063
When: Saturday, November 8, 2008, 9 am - 1 pm

Sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 622 and Neuwaste Business Recycling

• Flyer with more information
  

November 2, 2008 - Public Safety and Community Appreciation Picnic

From the Office of Councilman Greig Smith

Oct. 24, 2008

Dear Friends:

Instead of our Weekly Briefing newsletter this week, I would like to invite you to a very special community picnic to show our appreciation to the public safety officers, community members, businesses and neighborhood groups that came together during recent disasters.

The San Fernando Valley experienced two disasters recently - the Chatsworth Metrolink crash that killed 25 people and injured over 130, and the wildfires that charred nearly 20,000 acres, destroyed dozens of homes and killed two people. We have not had a shock this painful to our community since the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

We never want to experience this kind of tragedy. But when disaster strikes, one can only hope to see the kind of response we had from public safety officers, community members, Neighborhood Councils, local businesses and community groups during these disasters.

Their speed, skill, selflessness, bravery, generosity and ability to work together showed the true character of our community. The word "hero" is used too casually in society today. A hero is a person who drops everything and puts themselves in harm's way to help a complete stranger. In addition to our police officers and firefighters, hundreds of local community heroes gave aid to the injured and comforted families without hesitation.

Please join us, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Councilmembers Greig Smith and Richard Alarcón, for our "Public Safety and Community Appreciation Picnic" to show our gratitude to the public safety officers, community members, businesses and neighborhood groups that came together during recent disasters.

Public Safety and Community Appreciation Picnic
Sunday, Nov. 2, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Holleigh Bernson Park, located at 20500 Sesnon Blvd. in Porter Ranch.

This event will include free food for all, entertainment, children's activities, police and fire vehicles, helicopter flyovers, public safety booths and more.

• Flyer
• Map and directions
  

For more information call (213) 473-7012 or email Megan.Cottier@lacity.org.

Sincerely,

Greig Smith
Councilman, Twelfth District

Community comes to aid of family that helped Metrolink crash workers

It's a tragedy when any family loses its home to fire, but what happened to the Salay family during the Sesnon blaze last week just makes you shake your head and wonder about fairness in life.

Read the full Daily News story

November 9, 2008 - Volunteering at Lakers games

Well, the Lakers Season is on again!

And as it has been for the past two years, the Lakers Foundation has always come to me for volunteers for their giveaway games.

In return, they give us free tickets to the games and we get to keep a giveaway souvenir also.

The first giveaway game that I am hosting is on Sunday, November 9th, 2008 (Lakers v. Houston Rockets).

Volunteers have to be at Staples Center no later than 3:30pm.

I am in need of 45 volunteers - scouts 15 years old and older.

Please contact me at jreyes98@aol.com to let me know if you are interested in volunteering.

Thanks!

-Jocelyn Reyes

Scoutmaster-Troop 513

Sea Kayaking at Santa Cruz Island

I have a doctor friend who is organizing and fundraising for an international medical relief mission. They plan on sailing around the world and stopping at poor and impoverished islands/countries to provide free health care. Anyway, as part of their fundraising effort, they have arranged a Sea Kayaking Adventure around Santa Cruz Island. They already held one trip for students at our former high school, and it was a tremendous success. My friend, Ben Labrot, thought this would also be perfect for Scouting, since it combines outdoor activities with service. The idea is that troops can independently schedule a trip, and each scout who attends will raise a minimum of $300. The funds will go towards equipping the sail boat for the medical mission and other direct costs related to the mission.

• Invitation
• Directions and FAQs
• Who are the Floating Doctors?
  

Please let me know if there is anything else you need, or if you have any questions.

Warmest Regards,
James Ramsey
Troop 2002 in Highland Park

June 21-27, 2009 - Relationships Week at Philmont

(Please note that the dates from the Boy Scout Bulletin, Third Quarter 2008 have been corrected.)

TREAT YOUR FAMILY TO A GREAT VACATION IN NEW MEXICO
and get some BSA training on the side!)

Picture this … your young children riding ponies and going on day outings, your older kids doing the high ropes course or going on a trek in the back country, your spouse enjoying ceramics, horseback riding or a sunrise hike, while you – the lucky one – sit in a classroom and soak up the experience and expertise of outstanding faculty on a specific conference topic of your choice. We would propose Relationships Week June 21-27, 2009 and highlight the Religious Emblems course as well as other courses with a religious emphasis (i.e. Baptist, Catholic, Jewish, United Methodist). Please add these dates to your calendar and start making your vacation plans now.

Wanted: 10 Target Councils for 2009

P.R.A.Y. is accepting applications for Target Councils. Target councils receive 2 scholarships to the Religious Emblems Course taught at the Philmont Training Center (at least one of the scholarships must be used by a professional Scouter). Target Councils also receive follow-up onsite training from P.R.A.Y. for council staff and volunteers. Target Councils must be interested in growing their membership through the religious community. If interested, please submit an application form.

January 31, 2009 - Cabrillo Whale Watch

Representatives from the Cabrillo Whale Watch program will again participate in our January 31 Pow Wow/University of Scouting (Pinecrest School, Woodland Hills) to provide detailed information, but have discovered that many scout groups plan their winter activities more in advance.

Note that there's a really cool award that can be earned through our High Adventure team in conjunction with this exciting activity.

Stoney Point clean-up canceled by Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works has stated that, because Stoney Point is burned in totality, there is nothing that anyone can do at this time to clean up.

Next year's clean-up will be earlier in the year. By agreement with the Department of Public Works, we will not only be cleaning up, but also replanting to restore Stoney Point to its natural habitat.

Thanks in advance to all of you that were gearing up for this project. We will have an opportunity to give back to the community in the future.

Be well, keep up your Scouting and environmental spirit, and remember to Leave No Trace wherever you go!

Forever a Scout,

Les Salay
Troop/Pack 921

November 15, 2008 - High Adventure Basic Backpacking Alumni Campfire and Campout

If you have successfully completed Basic Backpacking anytime since 1985 to the present, you are invited to the Circle X Ranch Group Campground in the Santa Monica Mountains on Saturday November 15 2008 to gather round the campfire with the HAT staff.

Sing, laugh and remember good times.

But wait, there’s more. If you want, you can stay overnight in the campground (at NO charge, yes HAT picks up your overnight fee*). Come show your spouse or significant other** what made the HAT course so memorable.

So grab your tent, your sleeping bag, dinner, breakfast and warm clothing*** and say howdy again to that outdoor Scouting spirit.****

RSVP to Tamber Johnson @ (818) 343-6578 or Vern Fagin @ (818) 766-4486 or EMAIL vernfagin@roadrunner.com.


*Offer void in Canada.
**Must be eighteen years or older to apply (no kids)
***No cotton, if you know what’s good for you.
****You won’t be on staff but an incredible simulation.

Silver Beaver information

Does anyone have copies of Silver Beaver or Silver Fawn programs prior to 1995 dinner (excluding SFVC 1963 and 1972)? I am still looking for information about recipients from the Crescent Bay Council, San Fernando Valley Council, Great Western Council and the Western Los Angeles County Council. If you do, please send me a copy. Thanks.

Yours in Scouting,

Art Hammarlund
18593 Brymer St.
Porter Ranch, CA 91326-1960

E-mail: Art.Hammarlund@ngc.com

Scholarships for Eagle Scouts

Eagle Scouts who will graduate from high school in spring 2009 and plan to attend an accredited college or university that awards a bachelor's degree can apply now for a National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) scholarship.

In addition to their Eagle Scout rank, the candidates must have acceptable SAT and/or ACT scores, as judged by the review committee, and demonstrate leadership in Scouting and strong participation in activities outside of Scouting.

NESA awards a varying number of national $3,000 scholarships each year from its general fund, in addition to the Mabel and Lawrence S. Cooke Scholarships. These include four $20,000 awards (payable at $5,000 per year) and one $48,000 scholarship (up to $12,000 for four years). In addition, the Hall/Mc-Elwain Merit Scholarship pays a varying number of Eagle Scouts $1,000 awards. As merit-based awards, these are available to students from their senior year in high school through their junior year in college.

Expect fierce competition. NESA receives more than 5,000 scholarship applications each year. It awards fewer than 100. Scholarship committees form each year in the BSA's four regions: Northeast, Southern, Central, and Western. The NESA Scholarship Committee makes all final determinations.

Eagle Scouts can find an online application at www.nesa.org after Nov. 1, or they can pick up one at their local Scout council service center, or from NESA, 1325 W. Walnut Hill Ln., Irving, TX 75038. Make sure the application arrives no later than Jan. 31, 2009.

Halloween candy for troops

The Blue Star Mothers of the Canyons are collecting candy to send to the military troops in between Halloween and Thanksgiving. Any individual scout, parents, dens or packs that want to donate left over or extra candy after Halloween are encouraged to bring it to the November Bill Hart Roundtable or the Scout Service Center in Newhall. It will be used for a good cause.

Kymmer Crookston (661) 259-6306

November 15-16, 2008 - Fishing trip overnight adventure

Have you ever been on an overnight ocean fishing trip adventure? Well, your time has arrived. Whether you are an expert fisherman or have never caught a fish in your life, we have a trip for you. Troop 307 is sponsoring a private overnight ocean fishing charter (boat is exclusively ours) on the Ranger 85. The Ranger is a huge 85 foot boat and one of the premier sportfishing vessels in all of LA and San Diego. In the summer they do 3-7 day trips into Mexico. In the Fall and Spring they are here in Los Angeles to fish the Channel Islands.

The boat leaves from Channel Island Sportfishing in Oxnard at 10pm on Saturday November 15 and we fish Sunday November 16. There are bunks on the boat we sleep in. The trip is open to anyone. First preference will be given to Scouts, Scout Leaders and their families. Cost is $100 per person. The price has gone up this year because of the fuel prices and the fact the boat has not raised their prices in the past several years. This may sound like a lot of money, but if you were to go on any other overnight boat the price would be $130 - $150. A full hot galley is available for your breakfast and lunch purchases. We are trying to work on a discounted food cost. Rod and reel rental are available and we are also working on a discount for them.

For those of you working on your Fishing Merit Badge you can complete the catching fish portion of it. Mr. Oliver is a Counselor and he can sign your Blue Cards for that and other requirements you need.

There are not too many guarantees in life, but we can guarantee you will catch fish on this trip - and lots of them. Please pass this info along to anyone you think may be interested, in and out of Scouts. There is a limited amount of people we can take, so if you are interested contact Paul Oliver at pauloliver1@sbcglobal.net and get your payment in. First paid - first fishin.

Make your check out to BSA Troop 307 and mail to:
Paul Oliver
265 W. Tujunga Ave. #201
Burbank, CA 91502

October 11, 2008 - Sailing Symposium

65 youth have registered for the 40th Anniversary Sailing Symposium scheduled at the Pardee Scout Sea Base this Saturday, October 11, 2008.

The San Fernando Valley Yacht Club has secured about 12 sail boats and Skippers along with a committee boat.

However, there are 16 youth on a waiting list pending the availability of additional sail boats & skippers.

We are in need of additional sail boats with qualified skippers to accommodate our waiting list.

Please pass this request on to boaters you know that are willing and able to join members of the San Fernando Valley Yacht Club and the Western Los Angeles County Council at Marina del Rey for the 40th Anniversary Sailing Symposium.

Contact Derek Fortin, Director of Support Services, at dfortin@bsa-la.org or (D) 818 933-0129.

October 18, 2008 - High Adventure Team's Bailout Plan

The High Adventure Team wants to do its part over and above the $700 billion bailout. So the HAT team is making two special offers for its Basic Backpacking course on October 18th that will get the Western Los Angeles County back on the road to recovery.

HAT Chair Tamber ("RRRH") Johnson makes the Red Rock Red Head special offer: "Two Scout leaders from the same Troop--instead of $25 each, $20 each. Right up to Saturday morning registration."

Not to be outdone, Course Director Vern Fagin aka BBW comes right back with the offer : "Two Scout leaders from two different Troops--instead of $25 each, $15 each. That's a saving of $10 each."

Even if you think you know everything about backpacking, we will update you on the last from "Findmyspot" to wagbags.

....and let's face it, would we be in this mess if our leaders just followed the Scout Law?

HAT WILL GUARANTEE SATISFACTION ON ANY COURSE IT TEACHES OR YOUR AIR MATTRESS IS FREEEEEEEEEEE!

October 13, 2008 - Deadline for Philmont

The deadline to reserve a space on the 2009 WLACC Philmont Contingent is Tuesday, October 13, 2008.

October 11-12, 2008 - Scouts and Scots

I have an offer for all Scouts from the Chief of the Sea Side Highland games in Ventura. Scout interested in the American Cultures Merit Badge can fulfill many of the requirements there.

Adult tickets at the Gate are $14, but Scout personnel in uniform get in for half price, or $7.00! If they are 12 years or younger, they will get in for free! Now there’s a deal for a troubled economy.

Where: Seaside Park in beautiful Ventura County, California
When: October 11 & 12, 2008, 9:00 am until 5:00 pm

For more information about the Sea Side Highland games go to http://www.seaside-games.com/main-2008.html

Sincerely,

Bruce C. Mc Donald
Information Technology Specialist,
University Library
California State University Northridge
18111 Nordhoff St., CA, 91330-8326
(818) 677-2273
(818) 677-4934 fax.
bruce.mcdonald@csun.edu
A h-uile là sona dhuibh 's gun là idir dona dhuib.
(May all your days be happy ones)