Jeff Applegate (on right) is the area Executive Director for the Boy Scouts of America and spent the first few minutes of his program giving us a Scout trivia quiz. Questions such as: What are the Cub Scout colors? Answer: Blue and Gold. What is the Boy Scout motto? Answer: Be prepared.
Jeff also explained a new category of scouting called "Venture Scouts." He said, "Venture Scouting is for youth starting at age 14 who have several opportunities to meet together. A new Venture Crew has been started in Macomb and their sole emphasis is on safe sport shooting." Jeff says the scouts have spent the last five months just talking about safety including safe handling of firearms.
He said "when you think of scouts, you think of camping, being prepared and merit badges. However, the foundation of scouting is and always will be "values". It encourages boys to have fun and prepares young people to lead moral, ethical lives.
Jeff said there are 375 young men in McDonough and Warren Counties that belong to the scouts. He is in the process of starting some new units and is searching for sponsoring groups and agencies to help increase the number. He said one new unit was started by a church in Kirkwood.
Five new scouting units were started in this area in 2008. This year they are working with MOSAIC to see if any of their consumers would be interested in scouting. He's also working with an alternative school in Monmouth to introduce scouting in the school one hour per week. He is hoping to provide some positive male role models, teach some skills and help build self-esteem. Jeff says he would also like to start Boy Scout troops in Industry, Roseville and at Monmouth College.
Following his presentation, Tim Moss presented Jeff with a check for $200 for the Boy Scout council. Jeff promised "on his honor" to use the funds wisely.
Next week: We'll meet at the Ponderosa. Guest speaker will be Owen Thompson on the Salvation Army food pantry and Macomb School superintendent Alene Reuschel who plans to make a few comments on the School Snack Program we help fund and coordinate. The following weeks guest speaker will be Jim Starnes the President/CEO of Bridgeway.
President Tim Moss presided. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and Kiwanis Pledge, John Moon led us in singing "When Kiwanis Calls" and Chuck Nicholson gave the invocation.
Tim made the second reading of officers and directors for the next Kiwanis year that starts October 1. Being nominated are:
President: Debbie Vandemark
President-elect: Pat Stout
Past President: Jeremy Benson
Treasurer: Tim Moss
Board members: Rick Bulger, Ken Harp, Waneen Stout, Owen Thompson and Joe Vandemark.
Voting will take place later this month.
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Owen Thompson said a Macomb City Council subcommittee has approved our proposal to upgrade the Kiwanis Play Area in Chandler Park. |
Our plan is to augment the equipment available as well as install a new stainless steel slide and a different drinking fountain between the play areas. Owen says we will be looking for corporate sponsors and possibly a grant from the Kiwanis International Foundation to help with the expenses. He said the total cost will be about $25,000 with $12-13,000 needed to make a down payment. Tim says we will be talking about this again at future meetings.
Ken Harp announced the Membership Committee is looking to set up a membership drive program within the club kicking off next Tuesday night. Ken says it will be an intensive drive to bring in some potential new members and asks that you be thinking about possible new members that could be invited to join us.
Tim had a signup sheet on behalf of our speaker to help with the Cub Scout Day Camp in June. Volunteers would help in the morning to check the scouts in. The dates are Monday-Wednesday, June 8-10, starting at 8:15. About 80-90 kids are expected to attend.
IMPORTANT MEETING REMINDER! We will hold our May 12 and May 19 meetings at Ponderosa on East Jackson Street. No meetings at St. George's Church those two weeks. Members will pay for their own meals and what the club would have billed members for meals will be donated to Kiwanis International as part of their "Skip A Meal" project.
