Mohegan Council Calendar                                      
 
 April 5, 2013                                                                        www.MoheganCouncilBSA.org
 

In This Issue

Quick Links 

 

Troop 114 Scouts Complete CPR Certification

Welcome Ken Choquette – ScoutReach Coordinator

2013 Off to a Busy Start for Douglas Cub Scouts

Cub Scouts Follow in the Footsteps of Saint George

Pack 108 Scouts Earn Arrow of Light

Calling All Scout Leaders!

2013 Character Counts Service Awards Breakfast

Congratulations to New Trained Campmasters

Herbert Adams Honored

Old Sturbridge Village Boy Scout Day

Scout Safari Day at Roger Williams Park Zoo

Boy Scouts of America Vehicle Donation

Mohegan Council Scout Store

Tribute Gifts Received 2013

Troop 114 Scouts Complete CPR Certification

Submitted by Suzanne Moriondo, Publicity Coordinator, Troop 114

Instructor Bill Murdock looks on as Sean Litchfield performs CPR on a mannequin.

Twenty eight scouts and eight adult leaders from Boy Scout Troop 114, Quinsigamond District, completed the American Heart Association CPR certification on Saturday, February 2nd at First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury. This course was attended by all scouting ranks from Scout through Eagle.

The course covered infant, child and adult CPR, one and two person CPR, first aid for choking victim (Heimlich maneuver) in infant, child and adult, and operation of an automated external defibrillator (AED).  All participants successfully completed the requirements for certification and are now certified by the American Heart Association for a period of two years.  The scouts now are able to assist in life-saving situations they may encounter at home, in the community, and on campouts.

The boys earned the certification by hosting a bottle and can drive to fund the cost.  Troop 114 would like to thank the employees of MedStar Ambulance Service, who served as outstanding instructors for this certification course.

 
Our gratitude to our
Year of Scouting Sponsors
 
 

Welcome Ken Choquette – ScoutReach Coordinator

We welcome Ken Choquette to the staff of the Mohegan Council. Ken is the ScoutReach Coordinator who will develop our capacity to serve more youth from low income households.  Ken has had years of experience in the Scouting program. You may contact him at kechoque@bsamail.org to learn more about the ScoutReach program.

 

 

2013 Off to a Busy Start for Douglas Cub Scouts

The Cub Scouts from Douglas Pack 134 have had a busy winter. The year got off to an exciting start with a camp-in at the Museum of Science in Boston. Fifty scouts, along with their parents, stayed over-night at the Museum. They were treated to a planetarium show, a live presentation in the Theatre of Electricity, and a very educational movie about Jane Goodall in the Mugar Omni Theatre. However, the highlight of the weekend was the opportunity to roam throughout the museum and sleep among the exhibits.

Other January scouting activities included their monthly hike, which took place at Purgatory Chasm. The scouts participated in a hike that was conducted by the Blackstone River Watershed Association (BRWA) and led by Susan Thomas, BRWA Program Assistant and Natural History Guide for Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook. During the hike, the scouts continued to learn about the plants and wildlife of the area, as well as the historical and geological features of the chasm. But that was not the end of the activities for January. Their Pine Wood Derby races took place on January 25th. Prior to the derby, the scouts worked with their parents to shape blocks of wood into fine-tuned race cars. The Pine Wood Derby is the culmination of their efforts. Even though trophies are awarded to the three fastest cars from each rank, all the scouts enjoy this event!

The excitement continued into February with our scouts taking part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, collecting 100 pounds of food during our monthly food drive program, and participating in our pack’s Blue and Gold Banquet. The Blue and Gold Banquet is the yearly celebration of the Birthday of Scouting. The evening is a family celebration that is full of skits, songs and awards. Our event was capped-off by the Crossover Ceremony. During this ceremony, our oldest Cub Scouts, the Webelos II’s, crossed-over to Boy Scouts. This year, Pack 134 had 13 Webelos cross-over and we would like to wish them continued success in all their scouting endeavors.

In addition to our pack-wide events, individual dens continued to work on their rank requirements, as well as perform community services. Rank activities included our Tigers visiting with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Wrestling Team, our Wolves learning how recycling helps the environment and making a game from recycled materials, and our Bears earning their Whittling Chips. Because our Webelos I’s will be crossing over to Boy Scouts in less than a year, they began learning the Boy Scout Promise. They also visited the AAA office in Webster to learn about travel and map reading.

Finally, some of our Tigers and Bears worked on a very special community service project; they made gifts for the residents at Christopher Heights Assisted Living in Webster. After completing their hand-painted wooden hearts, they visited with the residents for Valentine’s Day. While they were there, they entertained them with songs and skits. They then served the residents snacks and presented them with their gifts.

For more information about the Douglas Cub Scouts, please email beth@douglaspack134.com

 

Cub Scouts Follow in the Footsteps of Saint George

         

Submitted by Cubmaster Jim Gorman

On March 20th, 26 Cub Scouts along with several Girl Scouts and 4-Hers from all over southern Worcester County had fun learning about the Patron Saint of Scouting, St. George.  The Scouts eager listened to the story of this fabled dragon slayer and all about his heroic virtue focusing on his good deeds and protecting the bullied.

Participant had fun creating paper plate dragons and "good deeds" swords.  During the activity they also talked with their adult partner about what to do if they witness someone else being bullied.  Once completed, each scouts earned their Saint George patch from the "Footsteps of American Saints" program established by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting.  The goal of this program is to have the Scouts share in the lives of the Saints so they can relate to them and maybe look at them as role models.

The Scouts overwhelming voted to learn about St. Kateri Tekakwitha also known as the 'Lily of the Mohawks," the Patron Saint of the environment and ecology.  A tentative date of April 24th has been with more details forthcoming.  This program is open to all Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4-Hers in grade 1-5.  For more information contact Jim Gorman, cubmaster108@gmail.com.

 

Pack 108 Scouts Earn Arrow of Light and Crossover to Troop 110

At Cub Scout Pack 108's March Pack meeting, the Matthew Carey and Daniel Piselli were presented with their Arrow of Light rank patches.  The meeting began with the Arrow of Light den posting of the flags and leading all present in the Pledge of Allegiance.  After a camp presentation, the scouts enjoyed themselves playing pirate themed games.

The Cubmaster called each of the Arrow of Light den member up to the stage with their parents.  George Piselli, Daniel's brother and an Eagle Scout, paid tribute by recounting the tale of the Arrow of Light.  After remarks by the Cubmaster and den deader, Michele Piselli, the Scouts prepared to cross the bridge over to Boy Scouts.

Scoutmaster Tom Barry called upon his senior patrol leader to prepare the boys for crossover by removing their Webelos neckerchiefs and Cub Scout epaulets.  With a handshake and wishes of good luck each boy crossed the bridge to the Boy Scout Troop who was ready to accept them on the other side.

As a sign of acceptance into Boy Scout Troop 110, the Boy Scouts vested the new Boy Scouts with their olive green epaulets and red neckerchief.  They were also presented with the Boy Scout handbook.  The Troop then recited the Boy Scout oath and participated in a flame of knowledge ceremony.  At the close, the Cubmaster invited everyone to enjoy cake in honor of the new Boy Scouts.

Both Matthew and Daniel are all looking forward to new chapter in the Scouting adventure.  Boys in 5th grade or higher from Millbury who are interested in Boy Scouts can contact Tom Barry, Troop 110 Scoutmaster, tbarryscouts@charter.net.  Boys in Kindergarten thru 4th grade from Millbury who are interested in Cub Scouts should contact Jim Gorman atcubmaster108@gmail.com

or visit the Pack on the web at http://sites.google.com/site/pack108millbury/home

 

Calling All Scout Leaders!

The camping season is just around the corner!! For those of you who haven’t started promoting Treasure Valley Boy Scout Camp, Webelos Resident Camp, or Cub Scout Day Camp; I have some amazing news for you!

Tim Kane recently recorded a Boy Scout Camp Promotion video that depicts all the amazing things Boy Scout Camp has to offer. Show it at your troop meeting, with or without parents, and the kids will be hooked on Summer Camp!

Not a Scoutmaster? No problem! The Cub Scout Day Camp Program Director, also the Program Director for Webelos Resident Camp, Amy LaRoche created a spectacular video to promote Cub Camps! I cannot think of a better way to get kids hooked on camp, other than them coming to camp of course, than having them watch this video! It is THAT good!

Pachachaug Lodge #525, your local Order of the Arrow lodge, recently copied 96 DVD’s. Every Unit folder located in council office (19 Harvard Street Worcester MA 01609) contains a copy of the appropriate video, free of charge!! Pack folders also contain two flyers.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the DVD’s, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in Scouting,

Zack Palmer

Treasurer of Pachachaug Lodge #525

treasurer525@gmail.com

(774) 234 – 6211

 

2013 Character Counts Service Awards Breakfast

 

- Honoring -

 

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

CHARACTER COUNTS

Past Mohegan Council Board President and BSA Northeast Area President

Eric. H. Schultz

President & CEO

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

 

CIVIC LEADERSHIP AWARD

Congressman James P. McGovern

 

WHITNEY M. YOUNG, JR. SERVICE AWARD

Assistant Scoutmaster Troop 28 – St. Peter’s Church, Worcester

Dr. William McCarthy

Professor of Criminal Justice

Quinsigamond Community College

 

YOUTH SERVICE ORGANIZATION AWARD

Alpha Phi Omega’s Omicron Iota Chapter

At Worcester Polytechnic Institute

 

Introducing the

FRANCIS J. “FRANK” SHEA MEMORIAL

COMMUNITY ACTIVIST AWARD

Webelos Leader  Pack 37 – Christ the King Church, Worcester

Timothy G. West

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 96

 

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

7:30—9:00 a.m.

Beechwood Hotel

363 Plantation Street

Worcester, MA

 

$50 per person | $20 student ticket |  $500 reserved table for 10

 

For secure on-line ticket purchase:

http://MoheganCouncil.kintera.org/CharacterCountsRegistration

 

To request sponsorship &/or program book information contact

Alison.Specter@Scouting.org

 

Congratulations to Campmasters

Submitted by Bill Williams

Thank you to the following group of experienced Scouters who just completed the Campmaster Training Program. They will each greatly enhance the Campmaster corps.

Scott Despres

Ron White

Paul M Hanson

Matthew McLaughlin

Ken Choquette

Paula MacNeal

Keith MacNeal

Mark Anderson

Paul W. Sweeney

Jay Eager  

A special thanks to John Atlas and Becky Vignaly who helped with the training.

If you know of anyone who would like to learn more about becoming a Campmaster please contact wwilliams@hanover.com. We are trying to grow the membership of the corps to enhance the program and provide full weekend coverage at Treasure Valley.

 

Herbert Adams Honored

Photo on left: Herb Adams with his wife and two sons.

On Wednesday, March 27, 2013, dignitaries from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Veterans, and members of our Scouting community came to the Worcester Senior Center to honor Herbert H. Adams as he was presented the Militaire Willems Orde.

This award is the equivalent to the United States Medal of Honor in its rarity of being bestowed given for Mr. Adams valiant participation in the liberation of the Netherlands. As a member of Company D 504th PIR (Parachute Infantry Regiment) of the 82nd Airborne Division, Mr. Adams jumped on September 17, 1944 as part of operation Market Garden in defense of citizens of the Netherlands.

Herb Adams is a long-time volunteer in Mohegan Council’s Troop 54, chartered to Epworth United Methodist Church in Worcester.

Congratulations on this honor and thank you for your service to our country.

 

Old Sturbridge Village Boy Scout Day - April 6

Explore conservation - then and now - during our spring gathering of Boy Scouts from around the area. Take part in an orienteering course, knot-tying, or some of the many hands-on studios scheduled for the day. Sign up for a Pottery or Blacksmith Merit Badge workshop. Meet the oxen and new friends at this unique Scouting event. Learn more.

 

Scout Safari Day at Roger Williams Park Zoo

http://rwpzoo.org/351/scout-safari-day  

Calling all Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts!

Date:  Saturday, May 18th, 2013
Time: Check-In Open: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Stations Open: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost:  $19/Scout (same price applies for Zoo members)

Spend an adventurous day at the Zoo with fellow Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of all ages!  Interactive stations throughout the zoo will help Scouts to complete a variety of badge requirementsMeet some bugs, learn how to tie knots like zookeepers do, test your animal senses, go on a Full Circle Farm scavenger hunt, and more! 

Scouts & Other Participants: Includes admission, program materials and a souvenir patch. Does not include lunch.

$19 (same price applies for Zoo members)

Chaperones & Additional Children: Includes admission only

 

Boy Scouts of America Vehicle Donation

Website: www.OneCarHelpsScouts.com

Toll-Free Boy Scouts of America Vehicle Donation Line:

855-272-1227 (855-BSA-1CAR)

WHEN DESIGNATING YOUR GIFT TO YOUR

EMPLOYEE UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN,

PLEASE REMEMBER TO DESIGNATE YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO

#1153 BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA MOHEGAN COUNCIL, INC.

(NOT APPLICABLE IN WEBSTER, DUDLEY)

 

Mohegan Council Scout Store

 

Tell me more about the store and what my son needs to Be Prepared!

 

 

TRIBUTE GIFTS RECEIVED 2013

In memory of Vera Smith
David Carlson

In memory of Albert J. Kamosky
Pangea Shellfish and Seafood Co. Inc.

In memory of Joanne G. Morneweck
BSA Troop 125

In memory of Gail M. Strout
BSA Troop 125

In honor of Lloyd Strout
BSA Troop 125

In memory of William McGrail
Troop 125

In memory of Francis Cornacchioli
Mr. Joseph Poretta
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pereira
Ms. Joyce Miller
Ms. Cheryl Millward Archambeault
Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Knott, II
Dr. Thomas H. Parker
Ms. Ruthe Pare
Mr. and Mrs. James Laitinen
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Nyberg
Mr. and Mrs. Barry Graham