Troop 2 NewsCenter

Committee Meeting Minutes - May 2008

Called to order: 7:15 pm (NEW MEETING TIME)

Present: J. Armata, D. Armata, P. Sobierajski, T. Michelson, S. Vinton-Delmore, C. Stewart, T. Ruscitti, P. Novak, B. Hopkins, D. Bertonazzi, N. Elia, T. Pittsley, R. Amour, M. Fitzpatrick, D. Fitzpatrick, R. Asson, J. Vinton, J. Bradley, M. Trettel

Minutes from April meeting approved. – discussion ensued regarding emailing minutes to Scouts and Scouters – motion made to email minutes unless specifically requested to mail hard copy – motion passed – ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE (or begin) RECEIVING THE MINUTES VIA THE US POSTAL SERVICE PLEASE LET T. Michelson KNOW

Senior Patrol Leader Report – addressed the Committee and asked that all adults remain in the hall OUTSIDE of the meeting room while the meeting is going on. It is difficult to keep the Scouts quiet when announcements are being made if the Jr. Leadership has to speak louder than the adults in the rear of the room.

Medical Officer Report – Debbie Armata – following up with med forms needed

Scoutmaster Report – Jack Armata

• Crossovers all at Scout rank – some at Tenderfoot
• Spring Camporee at Hopkinton State Park had 31 scouts and 6 adults – Scouts had the opportunity to get 3 requirements signed-off for the Cycling Merit Badge
• Jr. Leadership has a tentative schedule for 2008-2009 – Adult and Jr. leaders will go to Camp Hemenway Aug 22-24, 2008 to plan specific activities for the upcoming year
  • Sept. 2008 there will be a “shakedown” campout for all MassJam attendees to practice camping in such a small area – the Troop will have (2) 20’x40’ areas at MassJam for 50 people
  • October MassJam attendance will be by seniority (if required) – 2012 will be the next MassJam and the older Scouts will not get to attend such an event if they do not attend in 2008
  • Sept. will also include the 3rd annual Boston Harbor campout – tripmaster Tom Pittsley
  • November – Purgatory Chasm
  • December – campout and holiday party
  • January – Nobscot and Freeze out - Nobscot will not interfere with the Xmas Tree pickup in 2009 – Troop 2 will pick up trees
  • February – hopefully will include a Merit Badge class during Feb vacation (any MB counselors interested ?)
  • April – Open House at Louisa Lake (moved from March because March is too cold according to Cub Scout mothers)
  • May – Camp Sayer
  • June – Canoeing/River Trip – D. Bertonazzi is looking into Blackstone River – Saco River is an alternative
• TRIPMASTERS ARE NEEDED FOR 2008-2009 – it is not hard and you do not have to go on the trip – Contact J. Armata if you would like to help
• Any participating adults need to complete Youth Protection Training online – a copy of your certificate should be sent to Nancy Bradley
• Paul Sobierajski is going to teach the Communications Merit Badge – he will take 4-5 scouts at a time – Jay Bradley will get Paul a list of who needs it imminently for Eagle

Advancement Report – Jay Bradley

• All new Scouts are at “Scout” rank
• Mothers of new Scouts will get their “Mother’s Ribbon” at the Court of Honor Thursday 5/15. The ribbon should be worn to each COH and each time the Scout gets a new rank, the Mother gets a pin for her ribbon and a kiss
• Troop 2 is always looking to Merit Badge Counselors – especially for Eagle Required badges
• Many new parents have signed up – there is always the question of “push or pull” – do you offer to teach it or wait until the Scouts approach you?
• Jay Bradley is compiling a list of MB Counselors and their related MBs available - PLEASE EMAIL JAY AT advancement@troop2milford.org IF YOU ARE REGISTERED TO TEACH ANY MERIT BADGES

Service Opportunities/ Eagle Projects

• Mike B held car wash to raise money for his Eagle project on Saturday, May 10
• Other opportunities will be emailed – several Eagle Projects are getting started/in process

Outdoor Trips/Activities Report

• Memorial Day weekend –flagging/Camporee/parade/luncheon
  • Scouts will be grave flagging Saturday morning
  • 30 Scouts and 10 Adults are signed up for Camporee
  • the flag burning ceremony will be at the Camporee
  • Monday Parade step off is 10:00 – meet at Stop & Shop parking lot at 9:30
  • Veterans luncheon will follow at Italian Vets – Troop 2 will pay up to $500 for luncheon – Mike Shain is organizing
• Whitewater rafting – June 22 – Tom Pittsley will send out information and waivers before the trip – the waivers must be signed before the Troop gets to the destination
• Summer Camp – July 20-25
  • sign up cut off date is 6/5
  • 28 Scouts are currently signed up
  • once the roster is finalized there will be a parent meeting
  • Money issues should not hold any Scout back from attending summer camp – Camperships are available – if your Scout would like to attend and you cannot afford to send him, see Jack Armata. – it will be confidential – only 2 adults in the Troop will need to know (Jack and the Treasurer)

Quartermaster Report – P. Novak

• This summer Troop will have a “Clean up Lock Up Day” when all of the equipment is taken out of the Lock Up and it is cleaned out

Chairperson’s Report – Paul Sobierajski

• Committee Meetings will be held at this new time going forward – During the Scout meeting on the 2nd Thursday of the month (7:00 – 8:15) – NOTE FOR JUNE – meeting will be held JUNE 5 (because 2nd Thursday of the month is the last Scout meeting of the year)
• Scouting fees for 2009 – discussion tabled until August
• Paul Sobierajski was awarded the “Sparkplug Award” at the recent Council Recognition Dinner – Congratulations also go out to the other Troop 2 Adults that were recognized

Treasurer’s Report – Troop account in the black

Fundraising Update – Shannon Vinton-Delmore

• Gillette Stadium – on waiting list for Fall 2009 – no openings in Fall 2008
• Silent Auction scheduled for November 1, 2008 in the Bell Tower Room – Sub-Committee first meeting 4/15 did not have many attendees– emails will be going out with information in June
• Summer Camp candy fundraiser started – Shannon has candy
• Paul’s employer donated a laptop to the Troop

Training Report – Jay Bradley

• Registered Scouters must have Youth Protection – the ID number received at completion must now be included on the Tour Permit for each Scouter attending
• Council website has online quick lessons for various training (climbing, swimming, etc.) – the more Scouters that are trained in various things, the more flexibility the Troop has in planning adventures for the Scouts

Old Business – J. Armata

• Neckerchiefs – Paul is looking into this
• Natick Troop 2 (a special needs troop) is hosting a Court of Honor for its first Eagle Scout – Jack Armata will be the Master of Ceremonies and Troop 2 Milford will play an active role in the ceremony – it will be held on Sunday, June 8 at 1:00 at the Natick Elks Club on Speen St.
• Iin prior month, approval from the Committee was granted for the Troop 2 Milford Scouts to serve the meal (waitering) and clean-up after the event –20 older Scouts will be needed

New Business - none

ADJOURNED: 8:20 pm