Sep 4 - HLD District Committee Meeting
Sep 5-7 - OA Ordeal weekend
Sep 12 - Popcorn: Show-n-Sell orders due
Sep 13 - HLD Training: Youth Protection
Sep 13 - HLD Training: New Leader Essentials
Sep 13 - HLD Training: Cub Leader Specific
Sep 15 - HLD Training: New Leader Essentials
Sep 15 - HLD Roundtable
Sep 20-22 - NNJC Training: Wood Badge
Sep 24 - CCOS Appreciation Dinner
Sep 27 - Popcorn: Show-n-Sell pickup
Sep 27 - Popcorn: Take-Order sales begin
Sep 27 - SouthFld Training: Scout Leader Specific
Sep 27-28 - Venturing Beach Jam
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Oct 2 - HLD District Committee Meeting
Oct 4 - SouthFld Training: Den Chiefs
Oct 7 - HLD Training: New Leader Essentials
Oct 11-13 - NNJC Training: Wood Badge
Oct 17-19 - Catholic Retreat Weekend
Oct 20 - NNJC Training: Chartered Org Reps
Oct 25 - NNJC Training: Outdoor Skills (Planning)
Oct 25 - NNJC Training: Webelos Outdr (Planning)
Oct 26 - NNJC Training: Venture Leaders
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Nov 1 - Popcorn: Show-n-Sell returns due
Nov 1 - Popcorn: Take-Order orders due
Nov 1-2 - NNJC Training: Outdoor Skills
Nov 1-2 - NNJC Training: Webelos Outdoor
Nov 6 - HLD District Committee Meeting
Nov 8 - NNJC Training: Cub Leader BALOO
Nov 8 - NNJC Training: Commissioners
Nov 12 - HLD First Aid Rally
Nov 15 - Popcorn: Take-Order pick-up
Nov 17 - HLD Roundtable
Nov 20 - HLD Training: New Leader Essentials
Nov 12 - CCOS Scout Sunday Planning Meeting

The District Chairman's Minute

Hi everyone, welcome back! I hope everyone is well, and that your summer felt longer than mine did.

At this time of year many of us are thinking about recruiting. Please let us know if there is something that we can do to help that effort. For example, if you need flyers to pass around, we can help. Others are thinking about camping trips for the coming year. Northern NJ Council has instituted an online camping reservation system that you should be aware of if you are planning to use our camps. Information can be found at:

http://www.nnjbsa.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=20921&orgkey=945

This looks like it is going to be another good year for membership. The numbers so far look pretty good, and Dave and Lex have been working very hard to add new units, particularly in North Hudson.

Our Leadership and Family FOS also look good. Thank you to all of the units that contributed to the FOS program during the year.

One of the things that the District Committee does at this time of the year is look for people who might be willing to join the Committee. We have an ambitious agenda, and we can always use another set of hands. With that in mind, if you think you could contribute to helping with Finance, Membership, Activities, Camping, Advancement, or Training, just come to one of our monthly meetings in Jersey City, and we'll put you to work right away.

So, I wish all of you a very good year in Scouting, and, until next time...

Yours in Scouting
Greg •

The District Exec's Minute
DE Lex Leonard Starts His Second Year

This October will mark Lex Leonard's one year anniversary as a District Exec in Hudson-Liberty District. He was hired by the Council to assist Senior DE Dave Banks in reinvigorating Scouting in Hudson County. The area they cover is large, and the number of tasks to be accomplished is clearly too much for one person. Thanks to his Hispanic roots, Lex was able to take the lead on numerous occasions.

Working with Dave, Lex gained a lot of valuable knowledge and experience in his short time as an adult in Scouting. Note that Lex had a jump start by coming into the job already familiar with Hudson County (he lived in Jersey City and Weehawken) and with Scouting (he was a Scout in Union City).

When Lex first started as a DE, he was presented as someone able to "think outside the box," which is exactly what happened at a recent Friends of Scouting (FOS) Planning Conference. This year's FOS is about to be launched, and so we'll all have a chance to see some of Lex's new ideas at work. •

Sell Popcorn!
Popcorn Chair Myrna Kasser broadcast this message on July 23:

To all unit leaders,

Selling popcorn is a great way to raise some money for your unit, while at the same time raising some additional money that our Council can put to good use, such as improving our campgrounds.

The way it works is that you take the money received and split it up. About one third goes to the Council, one third goes to the wholesaler (Trail's End) and you keep the last third for yourself.

The sale starts in early September and ends in mid-November (see dates below).

There are two ways to sell, with many units doing both.

1. "Show-and-Sell/Deliver" is where you already have the popcorn on-hand when you sell it door-to-door or at a train station or in a mall.

2. "Take Order" is where you take money from a customer, put his or her name onto an order form, and deliver the goods in mid-November.

-o-

To all Popcorn Unit Coordinators, Unit Scoutmasters and Cubmasters:

The 2008 Popcorn Season has officially begun. Almost everybody has already signed up to do "Show and Sell/Deliver," "Take Order," or both. The important dates are:

Jul 29, Aug 14, Aug 20: kickoff seminars and sales materials pick-up. (Locations below)
Sep 12: "Show and Sell/Deliver" orders are due
Sep 27: "Show and Sell/Deliver" products pick-up (Location TBA)
Sep 27: "Take Order" sale begins
Nov 1: "Show and Sell/Deliver" payments are due; last date for product returns
Nov 1: "Take Order" product orders due; prize orders due
Nov 15: Super Saturday product distribution (Location TBA)
Dec 19: Last day for prize order error corrections, exchanges, or additions. No other prize order changes will be made after this date!

1. If you have not signed up to do "Show and Sell/Deliver" and/or "Take Order," please do so immediately. You cannot participate in the 2008 Popcorn Sale until you sign up. You can download the form from

http://www.nnjbsa.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=6094&orgkey=945

2. Please make sure to attend one of the kickoff seminars. You will get a 2% bonus on sales if you attend a seminar. More important, you will be able to get all the neat sales materials and some interesting tips and tricks from other units who have been through this before.

3. Prices have increased a little from last year, although the $35, $40 and $50 items are still the same price. TRAIL MIX is now available for $22.

4. If you intend to hold a "Show and Sell/Deliver" event at a local store, train station, bank, library, or whatever, it’s a good idea to contact that organization a month before you intend to do the event. Many of these organizations move glacially slowly! Please be sure that you are not encroaching on another troop’s geographical area!

"Show and Sell/Deliver" events are much more successful if you give out samples. We use 3 ounce cups (sold in supermarkets as "bathroom size"); it’s not a great idea to let a bunch of strangers stick their hands into a common bowl or tin!

5. Once again this year out-of-town relatives can order on-line through Trail’s End
 www.OrderPopcorn.com
Please remember that shipping charges will be added on to the price of the product, unless you order an entire case! A number of people got burned last year because we had been told that there would be no shipping charges.

6. Everything is done through www.TrailsEnd.com. It is possible that your sign-ins and passwords from last year will still work. Please try to sign in as soon as possible, and let me know if you have any problems. Also, let me know if you have any problems signing up your Scouts, or entering orders into the system. Please do not let any of this go until the last minute!

Best wishes to all of you for a great year!
Myrna Kasser
myrna@twokassers.com
201-792-4055

------
Seminar Dates and Locations:
Jul 29 - Langan Engineering, 619 River Drive, Center 1, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407
Aug 14 - NNJC Service Center, 25 Ramapo Valley Rd., Oakland, NJ 07436
Aug 20 - Pleasantdale Presbyterian Church, 471 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ 07052 •

Many Opportunities to Receive Training

Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader
Scouters in the Hudson-Liberty District have many opportunities to receive the all-important training they need to be successful. A full list of training sessions can be found on the District website (see below). Flyers are also available in the website for these upcoming sessions:

• "New Leaders Essentials" is basic training for all new adult volunteers. Attend any one of three sessions: Sep 13, Sep 15, or Oct 7.

• "Cub Leader Position-Specific" is training for new Cub leaders, with breakout sessions appropriate to your position in the pack: Sep 13

To see the entire schedule of adult training sessions for Scout, Cub, and Venturing leaders, go to the District website:
www.NNJBSA-HL.org
Click on "Training" (upper left of screen)
Click on "HLD Training Calendar"
Click on "Open" (need the Adobe PDF reader) •

New Location for HLD Committee Meetings
Senior DE Dave Banks made this announcement at the August Fireside Chat/Picnic:

HLD Committee meetings will now take place in the cafeteria of the Jersey City Medical Center - Wilzig Hospital, on 355 Grand Street. The start time remains unchanged at 7:30 PM. •

Trip McMillan to Join Regional Staff
NNJC broadcast this note on June 17:

Gene Stone, Regional Director of the Northeast Region, Boy Scouts of America, announces that Trip McMillan has accepted the position of Area 4 Director for the Region as of August 1, 2008. Trip’s last day as Scout Executive of the Northern New Jersey Council will be July 31, 2008.

In his new position, Trip will serve as the liaison between the National Council and the ten councils located in the western parts of Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland. Trip will bring the resources of the National Council as he supports the ten Scout Executives and their Executive Boards, as they provide a quality Scouting program to the youth of their councils.

Trip and Diane will be relocating to the Pittsburgh area, where Trip will set up a home office to work from. The job requires frequent travel to the councils to help them achieve their goals and objectives.

Anthony J. Vespa, Council President, announces a farewell reception will be held in Trip’s honor on Thursday, July 17, 2008 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Upper Montclair Country Club on Route 3 in Clifton. The cost for the event is $50 per person.

Congratulations to Trip and Diane on their new Professional opportunity and we all wish them the best of luck! •

NNJC Has a New Scout Exec
Kenyon Sandy, Director of Field Service, broadcast this message on Sep 4:

It's official! Our new Scout Executive beginning October 1 is Douglas W. Dillow, currently Scout Executive in Tacoma, Washington.

Doug brings with him a host of good experiences from Tacoma, to Chester, Pennsylvania and back to Rochester, New York. He is an avid backpacker and outdoorsman, has two sons in college, two beautiful Golden Retrievers and last, but not least, his lovely wife, Tammie.

Doug has been a member of the Boy Scouts of America for 30 years and has served as a Scouting professional for 23 years. He was a Star Scout and is a Vigil honor member of the Order of the Arrow.

Please join us in welcoming Doug to the Northern New Jersey Council Family and give him our support and congratulations! •

Scouts Assist Stride & Ride Event in North Bergen (Jun 21)

Lots of local kids showed up to have fun at this bike safety event, with Scouts present and assisting. The event was organized by a Hudson County office and took place on a Saturday in North Bergen's Braddock Park. During the planning stages, the County people asked if any Scouts would be able to attend and assist. Troop, Pack, and Venture Crew 101 all responded, and did a little recruiting as well, signing up 4 new boys.

The Stride & Ride flyer promised bike races, walking races, a bike rodeo, cycling and walking safety tips, training for adults and kids, plus various entertainment and a raffle. The flyer said, "Sponsored by the Hudson Transportation Management Association, A non-profit county agency in Jersey City."

In his thank-you letter to the Scouts, TMA Director of Operations Jay DiDomenico cited these numbers: "Over 200 families attended. 49 boys and girls participated in the bike safety rodeo, and 48 others learned to ride without training wheels." He said, "The Scouts were there for those children, and we were proud of their work." He concluded, "I hope you will give us a hand again next year."

Follow-up report from Bob Gorman of Venture Crew 101:

The Stride & Ride event was very successful. There was a Boy Scout booth, which we manned with one leader and one Scout. We were also asked to man the various stations around the event field. 101 had participants from the Troop, the Pack and the Crew. We manned the registration desk, safety check station, signaling station, the short course, the long course, the walking course, the putting green, and the bottled water station.

We had the opportunity to interact with local families, created exposure for the Scouting program, and were able to recruit four boys as well. I was asked to participate in a short, televised message about our participation in the event with the Hudson Transportation Management Association (TMA), which I did.

The event had a combination of stations that provided education to cyclists, providing helmets and pads for those who didn't have them, a fire safety course, a magic show with a recycling theme, face painting, and a DJ providing entertainment. Our Scouts received some training in cycling, an opportunity to share that information with their peers, and a chance to provide community service to the visitors. They've been telling everybody they know about the event and how much fun they had. We have already committed to Hudson TMA to participate in the 2009 event. It was a great event, and we can benefit in many ways by participating.

Yours in Scouting
Bob Gorman •

Scouts Hailed as Heroes after Tornado Rips through Scout Camp (Jun 11)

"Scouts praised for response to tornado in Iowa" was the headline of an Associated Press article by Timberly Ross. The article praised the Scouts "who came to each others' aid after a tornado that killed four of their comrades and injured 48 people." They got to work immediately to "administer first aid and search for victims buried in their flattened campsite."

The tragedy occurred Wednesday evening at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch during a leadership week attended by 93 boys. The staff numbered 25. When the weather alert came in, leaders decided it would be safer to hunker down, rather than expose themselves on the highway by evacuating. The AP article quoted Deron Smith, who spoke for National, as saying, "They were watching the weather and monitoring a weather radio, listening for updates. The spot they were at was the lowest spot of camp; it was deemed to be the safest place." Scouts who were out hiking when the alert sounded were all called back in.

Scout Taylor Willoughby, age 13, was interviewed on the NBC "Today" program. He described how several Scouts were getting ready to watch a movie when someone screamed that there was a tornado. "Everyone hunkered down," he said, "And windows shattered. It sounded like a jet that was flying by really close. I was hoping that we all made it out OK. I was afraid for my life."

Also interviewed was Scout Ethan Hession, age 13, who described the first aid that came next. He said, "We knew that we needed to place tourniquets on wounds that were bleeding too much. We knew we needed to apply pressure and gauze. We had first-aid kits, we had everything." Ethan recalled how a staff member took off his shirt and used it to help stop some bleeding, while other scouts started digging people out of the rubble.

Scout leader Thomas White was interviewed by KMTV in Omaha. He described how he dug through the wreckage of a collapsed fireplace to reach victims in one of the buildings where boys were sheltering. He said, "A bunch of us got together and started undoing the rubble from the fireplace and stuff and waiting for the first responders. They were under the tables and stuff and on their knees, but they had no chance."

The AP article said, "Iowa rescue workers cut through downed branches and dug through debris amid rain and lightning Wednesday night to reach the camp."

Praise came from the local Mid America Council. According to the AP article, "Lloyd Roitstein reminded reporters at a news conference Thursday that the Boy Scout motto is "Be Prepared. " He said, "Last night, the agencies and the scouts were prepared. They knew what to do, they knew where to go, and they prepared well." The article also quoted Iowa Governor Chet Culver, who praised the boys for "taking care of each other." •

Nationwide Publicity for Scouts

In the wake of the Iowa tornado tragedy and the impressive quick response that followed, the Scout National Council took out full-page color ads in various national publications. For example, this ad appeared in the Aug 4 issue of Time Magazine.

-o-

Character.
Confidence.
Courage.

Marks of true leadership. And, traits never more vividly on display than at Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Iowa. Our hearts ache for the families touched by this tragedy. But, we stand in awe of the heroic efforts of our Scouts.

For nearly a century, the Boy Scouts of America has prepared generations of leaders. Setting out youth on a solid path to become great citizens, stewards, role models, and friends. As we head into our next century, we'll still be there to lead the way, just as we have for 100 years.

The Boy Scouts of America. As vital and relevant today as when our journey began. •

Mike Carp is the New Chair for Activities

At last month's HLD fireside chat, Mike Carp promised to take a firmer hand in ensuring that District-sponsored events come off more smoothly and receive better advance communications. He named these three events that are currently on the calendar:
• Jan 17 - HLD Klondike Derby
• Mar 14 - HLD Pinewood Derby
• May 8-10 - HLD Camporee
An additional event is sponsored by Kearny Troop 302, but is open to all Scout troops in the District:
• Nov 12 - HLD First Aid Rally
Mike proposed reactivating two events some time in the future, assuming that someone is willing to chair them:
• HLD Friendship Weekend
• HLD Swim Meet

Research into past District calendars shows that we also used to sponsor these events:
• HLD Scout Merit Badge Rally
• HLD Cub Halloween Scare-a-Ree
• HLD Cub Lad-Dad Weekend
• HLD Cub Easter Egg Hunt
• HLD Cub Raingutter Regatta •

Help Wanted - Scout Unit Commissioners
This message was broadcast on Sep 1:

This is a chance to do a major Good Turn. Our district has a bunch of new units trying to get off to a good start, as well as some older units that are in trouble and trying to get back on their feet.

You can help by acting as the Commissioner for one of these units. Your job would be to drop in on a unit meeting every so often, and, as a friend, offer advice and assistance.

You are qualified if...
If you are now a Scouter in a well-run unit, or if you were a youth in a well-run unit, then you already possess most of what's needed. You'll be able to spot what the other guys are doing well and what they can improve.

You'll need some training, too
There's diplomacy involved, since you want them to view you as a friend. You're not the Inspector General, and you're not the guy who came to take over. But you are the guy who knows what works and knows where good resources can be found. Thus, you'll want to attend a training course yourself, so you can learn about those resources, and so you can draw on the experiences of other Unit Commissioners.

The basics are important
The well-run unit you came from had frequent camping trips, had a vigorous advancement program, and had lots of things that the boys found fun and interesting. Your well-run unit also had trained leaders. So these will be the first things you can look for when you visit. But of course there's more. There's recruitment and parent involvement and recognitions and motivators and so on.

If you are willing to take on this Good Turn, please contact Pete Greb, who is currently putting together a staff. He'll get you started.
  District Commissioner Pete Greb, 201-997-3548
  PackMaster305@aol.com •

Early Centennial Planning by NNJC

Tucked into the packet that each unit received at last June's Program Launch was a flyer titled "100 Years of Scouting". In it, the Scout Centennial was described as "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tell the entire Scouting story." It said, "Our goal is to deliver a purpose-driven celebration... to better communicate the tremendous value of Scouting in America."

The flyer listed these planned events:

• NNJC Scout Show
• Sending 8 troops to the National Jamboree
• A Scouting Birthday Bash
• 100th Anniversary Unit Participation Award
• Special program at the Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner in May
• And MUCH more!!

Council Finance Director Ken Smith was listed as the contact for all Centennial events. •

Planning for the 2010 National Jamboree
(July 26-Aug 4, 2010)
This article is reprinted from the June, 2008 issue of Between the Shores:

Scouts from all over the country plus many from overseas will converge on Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia for 10 days of great and memorable activities. Organizers are expecting about 43,000 Scouts and Scouters, with about 300 coming from our NNJC Council.

Jamborees take place every four years, but this one will be an exception. It was delayed by a year in order to take place during Scouting's centennial anniversary in 2010.

In order for a Scout to attend, he signs up to become a member of a 40-man provisional troop. NNJC will form 8 such troops, consisting of 36 Scouts plus 4 adult leaders. Scouts form into 4 patrols of 8 each plus 4 junior leaders. Adults are a Scoutmaster plus 3 Assistants. Troops meet monthly to plan and to get to know each other. Scouts must be First Class or higher and must be 12 or older.

The fee has not been set yet, but families typically start with the assumption that it will cost about $1,000 per person. That fee covers food, insurance, tents and other equipment, program material, transportation, tours, and pre-jamboree training.

Applications for adults willing to sign up as unit leaders or as camp support staff were made available at the June 4 Program Launch. Youth application forms will be available in late fall of this year.

National's Office of the Jamboree recently set up a website to keep organizers, participants, and their families informed about ongoing planning:
  www.BSAJamboree.org

Wikipedia also has a nice overview article that gives some historical perspective:
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Scout_jamboree_%28Boy_Scouts_of_America%29 •

The 2008 Centennial Quality Unit Award:
You must start now!
This article is reprinted from the June, 2008 issue of Between the Shores:

The procedure for earning the Centennial Quality Unit Award requires two steps. Step 1 is to set goals, and Step 2 is to report on how well you did in reaching them.

Step 1 really should have taken place earlier this year - February or March - so don't waste any time getting started. Obtain the form (see below), fill in the "2008 Goal" column with numbers that represent your best guess, keep one copy, and give the other to District Exec Dave Banks or District Commissioner Pete Greb.

Step 2 will occur any time in November or December. Finalize the form by filling in the "2008 Actual" column, and then give the updated version to Dave or Pete. Hopefully, you will also put a checkmark in "Yes, we have achieved the 2008 Centennial Quality Unit Award."

There are 8 goal blanks, most of them similar to those found on the older Quality Unit form. However, one new entry you'll find is the goal of recruiting new active parents or other adults.

When filling out the form, one number that you might question has to do with "retention", where you are asked to compute your "percent youth retention".

The correct way to do it is to list the names of all boys on your roster as of January 1, 2008, and then see how many of them are still in the program at the end of the year. Boys who joined after January 1 are not part of this calculation.

If your Cub pack started the year off with some 2nd year Webelos, count them as "retained" if they are now part of a Scout troop. If your Scout troop started the year off with some 17-year olds, count them as "retained" if they are still on your roster as adults.

The form is on the Hudson-Liberty District website. You can enter your numbers directly into the PDF form before printing it.
/openrosters/DocDownload.asp?id=42279 •

Boy Scouts Featured in USA Today

In July, USA Today ran an interview with Chief Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca by staff reporter Del Jones. Because the subject was leadership and its effect on company boardrooms, they chose to run it in the "Money" section. Here are some highlights taken from that interview.

About the excellent response of Scouts on the scene in the aftermath of the Iowa tornado disaster: Mazzuca said, "They put the needs of others before their own. They applied skills and knowledge in a disciplined and organized manner. It was what true leadership looks like."

About successful corporate CEOs who are Eagle Scouts, such as Sam Walton, Michael Bloomberg, Bill Marriott, and Ross Perot: Mazzuca said: "Scouting builds people who are equipped to make ethical and good choices. It's not unusual to see the leaders of communities come out of Scouting. When you [spend time in Scouts] with an adult of good character, you're going to learn about who you are and go on to lead men.

About corporate buzz-words like vision, passion, charisma versus trustworthy, loyal, etc.: Mazzuca said, "Charisma and other personality traits may determine how far up the ladder you go, but the 12 points of the Scout Law define your character. If you don't have integrity, you're not a good leader no matter how charismatic. [Of the 12, the one I would recommend to a business executive is] brave. You can't do the right thing and be effective without some courage.

About comparing Boy Scouts to the buggy whip; that is, obsolete and irrelevant: Mazzuca said, "Obsolete? Absolutely not. The day that trustworthy, loyal, [and the other points] become obsolete, I'll turn out the lights. [However,] we run the risk of becoming irrelevant if we don't adapt to things that attract kids today, but we run the risk of losing our way if we abandon the principles, which is the Scout Law.

Addressing the question if increased public relations are "to get the Scouts past God and gay controversies?" Mazzuca said, "It's time to reintroduce the American people to the Boy Scouts and quit letting other people define us. For a decade, we have abandoned the field of public relations and dialogue, and we have such a positive story to tell. Everybody has a good feeling about Scouting, and we have not been telling that story at all."

About the Scouts avoiding publicity as a strategy: Mazzuca said, "For the first time in our history, we had adversaries. Back in the day when I started, it was motherhood, apple pie and Boy Scouts. We were thrust into a situation that we weren't equipped to deal with. The decisions at the time were probably correct for the time. Because of one issue, we abandoned all dialogue about Scouting. That doesn't make any sense. We can't be afraid.

Addressing the question of the most important thing about leadership not being taught: Mazzuca said, "Personal responsibility. Taking responsibility for your actions is a hallmark of a good leader."

As of this writing, the complete interview can still be found on the USA Today website:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2008-07-20-boy-scouts-advice_N.htm •

A Legal Dispute in Philadelphia

"The Boy Scouts' Free-Speech Fight" was the headline of an Associated Press article by Sean Scully, published on May 29. The article described how Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter informed the Cradle of Liberty Council that they would have to start paying rent for the city-owned property that their headquarters building is located on. He told them that he would raise their rent from $1 per year to the full market value of $200,000 per year. The Scouts responded in May by filing a suit against the city. Although the Scouts erected the building itself many years ago at their own expense, it sits on city-owned land just off the Ben Franklin Parkway.

The dispute arose from adverse reaction to the Supreme Court's 2000 "Dale Decision," which upheld the Boy Scouts' right to exclude gays and atheists from membership. The decision was based on the Constitution's First Amendment right to free association with additional arguments based on the right to free speech. Many organizations, such as United Way, responded by withdrawing their support. Others sued to prevent Scouts from using public facilities where non-discrimination laws are in effect. The issue came to a head in Philadelphia in 2003 under then-Mayor John Street, who cited the city's 20-year old anti-discrimination policy.

The AP article quoted Scout spokesman Bob Bork as saying, "Philadelphia, which is the cradle of liberty, is now the graveyard of liberty. Philadelphia has put a bounty on free speech and that bounty, in the Scouts' case, is $200,000 a year." Bork pointed out that the Supreme Court upheld the Scouts' policy when it said that, as a private organization, the Scouts had a right to set their own terms of admission.

Bork also cited a federal law passed in 2005 by a sympathetic congress. That law requires local governments receiving federal funding to give the Scouts the same access to public facilities that they provide others. He said that Philadelphia is unfairly singling out Scouts under pressure from gay rights activists, since they have leased facilities to other organizations that officially discriminate against gays in some capacity, including the Catholic Church. Philadelphia city attorneys insist the law only applies to access to meeting space and public events. •

Changes to the Boy Scout Uniform
This article is reprinted from the June, 2008 issue of Between the Shores:

An e-mail late last month from www.ScoutStuff.org to unit leaders shouted, "The reviews are in, and the Centennial uniform is a RUNAWAY hit!" The e-mail went on to apologize (boast?) that some sizes were already out of stock.

After many years of tan and olive green with red trim, the Scouts have announced its new "Centennial uniform" in khaki and forest green. The red is completely gone from hats, shoulder loops, and unit numerals, which are now all forest green. Pants come in the new "switchback" style, where the trouser legs can zip off to convert to shorts. Similarly, long sleeved shirts are designed to roll up to become short sleeved.

The new items were available at Scout shops starting in August.

The fabrics have changed as well, becoming more "technical." The khaki shirts and forest green pants are available either in nylon or in "cotton rich poplin" (blend of cotton and polyester). The ScoutStuff website says, "Technical fabric has evolved with incredibly amazing properties. It's comfortable, easy-care, and functional enough to keep up with today's active Scouts." •

Scout Day - New York Red Bulls (Oct 4)
OCTOBER 4, 2008
Giants Stadium

Scouts are encouraged to wear their uniforms to the event! Sideline level: $20 (usually $30)

• The pack/troop/crew with the largest attendance will receive a soccer ball autographed by the NY Red Bulls team!

• Scouts will participate in private soccer drills from 3:30-4:30 PM.

• All packs/troops/crews participating will have their name in lights!

• A portion from each ticket purchased will go back to the Northern NJ Council

For tickets Mallory Sullivan at 201-583-7019
  Mallory.Sullivan@NewYorkRedBulls.com
Information
  www.NewYorkRedBulls.com •

Illness - Vincent Constanza
Bill Dall broadcast this note on July 15:

My Dear Friends,
"Uncle Vinny" (also known as "The Don") has been having some health issues and for the past 4 weeks has been staying at the nursing home below. He is doing well and is happy to receive visitors. In spite of turning 93 last week, his memory is very fresh and he has many interesting stories to pass on.

It's great to hear him tell about old OA lodges, such as Achtu, Chincheuska, and Elauwit, and he has lots of stories about our camps. He'll be at the home for a while and would love to see you. Visiting hours are 8:00 AM-8:00 PM, every day.
 
Vinnie's health is such that there's a good chance that this nursing home will become his permanent location. He knows his limitations, but finds the decision tough to accept. To be left alone at any time may be a detriment. If you can find the time, I am sure he would love to see you. Although he has access to a phone it is sometimes difficult for him to get to it or reach it.
 
Keep Smiling
Bill

Meadowview Nursing Home
(Fountains At the Meadows)
595 County Ave (next to the UPS terminal)
Secaucus, NJ 07094
201 863 8866 •

A Death - Fred Bauer
NNJC broadcast this note on June 27:

Dear Scouting Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I must announce the passing of Dr. Fred Bauer this morning. Fred was a loyal Scout since his youth in Kent, CT. An Eagle Scout, Fred began his local involvement with Scouting at Explorer Post 104 in Packanack Lake, Wayne. Fred continued with his boys through their Scouting journey and beyond.

Fred served faithfully on District Committees, as Unit Commissioner, and as District Commissioner. Fred was also a past member of the Council’s Executive Board.

He is best remembered for his years of service as Camp Director and Camp Commissioner of Camp Turrell. My favorite quote from Fred about what to do at camp is “Find a rock in the woods, sit on it, be real quiet, and watch all that’s going on around you.” Fred was a friend to all, a coach, and a mentor. He represented the best that Scouting has to offer.

Yours in Scouting,
David Banks
Field Director •

NNJC broadcast this note on July 21:

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of Twin Valley District's finest and most long-tenured Scoutmasters, Tony Triant of Troop 25 Tenafly. He passed on Saturday morning.

By his wife’s wishes, in place of flowers, any donations can be made to the "Tony Triant Memorial Scholarship Fund" and sent to: St. John the Theologian, 353 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly, NJ 07670.

Viewings will be:
  Mon July 21 7:00-9:00 PM
  Tue July 22 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 PM
Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home
109 Darlington Avenue
Ramsey, NJ  07446
201-327-0030

Twin Valleys District will be doing an Honor Guard on Tuesday night. Scouters are asked to come in full uniform that evening.

The funeral will be:
Wed July 23 at 10:00 AM
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Grandview Ave., Wyckoff, NJ •

NNJC broadcast this note on July 29:

Charlie Schnugg, Cubmaster of Pack 335 on Rivervale, NJ passed away. The Rivervale community has rallied behind his wife Joanna and his two sons Stephen and Joey.

Services are to be held at St. Andrews Church in Westwood NJ, Friday Aug 1, 2:00-4:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM. There will also be a prayer service on Saturday, Aug 2, 9:00-11:00 AM.

Saint Andrew's Roman Catholic Church
124 Washington Ave
Westwood, NJ  07675
201 666-1100

Yours in Scouting,
Steve Napolitano
Scoutmaster, Troop 206, Rivervale NJ
201-666-2899 •

A Death - Michael Wejsa, Age 15
NNJC broadcast this note on Aug 11:

Carlstadt Troop 51 regrets to announce the passing of Scout Michael Wejsa. Fifteen-year-old Michael had been a Cub Scout in Carlstadt Pack 51 and a Scout in Carlstadt Troop 51. He passed away Saturday after a two-year battle with cancer.
 
Arrangements are as follows:

Viewing:
  Tue Aug 12 at 2:00-4:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM
  Kimak Funeral Home
  425 Broad Street in Carlstadt
Service by the Carlstadt Scout Troop at 7:30 PM
 
Funeral:
  Wed Aug 13 t 10:30 AM
  First Presbyterian Church
  457 Division Ave. in Carlstadt •