September 2009 - Posts

• Troop meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 29

  Oops - I put the wrong date for the troop meeting. It is Tuesday, Sept. 29, not Sept. 28. I have sopaipilla's on my mind! Please inform your patrol leader if you are NOT coming to the meeting. Mr. V. Posted Sep 29 2009, 05:26 AM by Dave Verlinde with no comments

• Next Two Troop Meetings, Board of Review, and Court of Honor

  Sept. 29: Troop meeting - Learn how to make Sopaipilla's, a New Mexican puffed bread. We'll be deep frying them and filling them with your choice of honey, powdered sugar, or cinnamon and sugar. Oct. 1: Last Board of Review before Court of Honor - contact scribe Randy C. if you are ready. Oct. 5: Troop committee meeting Oct. 6: Troop Meeting - Fingerprinting Merit Badge (waiting for final confirmation from Rochester PD) Oct. 13: Regular Court of Honor - all scouts and families are urged to attend. Note - The Murder Mystery Campout has been changed to October 23 -25, due to a scheduling conflict. Details soon. Posted Sep 28 2009, 07:38 PM by Dave Verlinde with no comments

• Bike Hike Activity Meeting Tuesday - Renaissance Festival Campout Friday-Sunday

  Bike Hike Activity Meeting - Tue. Sept. 22    Meet in parking lot at intersection of 2nd and 3rd streets in downtown Rochester (near the fire station) at 6:30. We will bike on the Clinton River Trail and the Macomb Orchard Trail to the Dairy Queen at 25 Mile Rd. and Shelby. Total distance is 8 miles. Bring money for DQ, bike and helmet, and permission slip below. No uniform required.   Renaissance Festival Campout - Fri..Sept. 25 - Sun. Sept 27   Money and permission slips will be collected at the bike hike. The permission slips are published on the website under "Permission Forms" on the left side. They may also be delivered to Mr. Verlinde (248-651-4031). Add $5 to fee if not in by Noon Wednesdy, as we must buy full price tickets after that.     Bike Hike Permission Slip:   Name __________________________________________________   In consideration of the benefit to be derived, and in view of the fact that the Boy Scouts of America is an educational organization, membership in which is voluntary, and having full confidence that every precaution will be taken to insure the safety and well being of my son during this trip or activity, I hereby agree to his participation and waive all claims against the leaders of this activity or trip and officers, agents, or representatives of the Boy Scouts of America. In the event I cannot be reached in an emergency, I hereby give permission to the physician selected by the adult leader in charge to hospitalize, secure proper anesthesia, or to order injection or surgery for my son.   Parent’s Signature   Date:   Posted Sep 21 2009, 03:22 PM by Dave Verlinde with no comments

• 2009 Popcorn Sale -- Pickup for Show & Sell is Friday 9/18 -- Sales Start Saturday

  Here's a link to the 2009 Popcorn letter. It has more info -- but below is the urgent stuff, related to this Friday.  A supply of popcorn will be available to pick up on Friday, September 18th. You will be able to check out inventory of popcorn and have it in hand to sell door-to-door or to friends/family. You will be able to order additional popcorn or return unsold popcorn if you follow the deadlines below. Any popcorn in your possession after the return deadline is YOURS to sell! I will not be able to accept returns past October 20th! If you decide you’d like to "show and sell" please e-mail Mrs. Schuster at Karlzmom@aol.com by September 17th, so I can figure out how much popcorn I can allocate to each Scout. Popcorn Sale Begins (district-wide): September 19, 2009 Popcorn Pick-up from Schuster’s: Friday, September 18, 6-9 p.m. 211 Saxon Court, Rochester Hills (248) 601-0127 Returns of unsold popcorn: October 20th (Troop meeting) or delivered back to the Schuster home prior to October 20th Thanks, Amy Schuster    Posted Sep 16 2009, 09:47 PM by Scott Schuster with no comments Filed under: Popcorn

• Reminder - First Meeting Tuesday, September 15, 7:30 - 9:00 RCH

  We are working on compass work and orienteering. Bring compass and a paperbag that fits over your head. (I'm not kidding). Don't forget to wear your full class A uniform including bolo tie, pocket notebook, and pen/pencil. Scouts below Star rank need your Scout Book. Permission slips may be turned in for Renaissance Festival Campout (in separate announcement). Posted Sep 14 2009, 08:40 PM by Dave Verlinde with no comments

• Change in plans

  The plans have been changed back to what they originally were.  We need every family that can to go to Innatech by 8:00P.M. to pick up 3 pies per family.  You will need to try to sellthese at $10 per pie.  Sorry for the miscommunication. Regards, Evan Theodoracatos Posted Sep 13 2009, 04:44 PM by Evan T. with no comments

• Action required now: Pickup 3 Troop-baked pies to sell for $10 each

  Notice: Sunday September 13 at 8:00p.m. We need everyone who can to pick-up 3 pies tonight at Innatech, then sell the pies for $10 each to friends and family.  Thanks,  The Pie Committee Posted Sep 13 2009, 03:10 PM by Scott Schuster with no comments Filed under: Apple Pies

• September and October Troop Calendar

  After an awesome Art 'n Apples event, we're ready to kick-off the new scout year. And what a year we have planned. Here are the first two months: Tue. Sept.15 Troop meeting, RCH, 7:30 - 9:00  We are working on orienteering, including first class requirement, so bring your compass. Then Craig Matola and Andrew Tyler, Mackinac members from Troop 280, are going to show pictures of and tell us about Camp Hiawatha, a possible choice for summer camp next year. It sound like a great camp in the Upper Peninsula. Permission slips for September Renaissance Festival trip can be turned in tonight. Fri. Sept.18 - Sun. Sept. 20 Order of Arrow Fall Conclave at Camp Agawam - Ordeal and Brotherhood ceremonies for members and candidates that were elected last spring. Mon. Sept. 21 Committee meeting, Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, 7:00 - 9:00 Tue. Sept. 22 Bike Hike 6:30 - 8:30 Meet in parking lot across from Rochester Fire Hall where Third Street and Second Street meet (east side of Rochester Rd.) We will ride on the Clinton River and Macomb Orchard Trails to the Dairy Queen in Shelby Township and back, a total of 8 miles. Bring money for DQ. Must have helmet. Permission slips sent later. Permission slips for Renaissance Festival trip due tonight. Fri. Sept. 25 - Sun. Sept. 27     Renaissance Festival Campout in Holly, staying at Holly Recreation Area. This is a great trip - watch a jousting match or fun show, put Mr. Wilson in jail, eat a turkey drumstick, or just look at the wenches! The permission slip will be in another announcement. Money can be turned in Tuesday September 15 or 22, or mailed to Mr. V. Tue. Sept. 29 Troop meeting, RCH, 7:30 to 9:00 Patrols will be making Sopapillas, a Mexican flatbread dessert.Come hungry! Murder Mystery campout money can be turned in tonight. Mon. Oct. 5 Committee meeting, Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, 7:00 - 9:00 Tue. Oct. 6 Troop meeting, RCH, 7:30 - 9:00 Fingerprinting Merit Badge taught by Rochester Police Department. Murder Mystery campout money due. Fri. Oct. 9 - Sun. Oct. 11  (tentative - reservations have not been made yet) Murder Mystery Campout to D Bar A Scout Ranch in Metamora - Can your patrol figure out "who dun it?" Tue. Oct. 13 Regular Court of Honor - Advancement including merit badges since May plus slide show of Mackinac, Lost Lake Summer Camp, Philmont, and Venture rafting trip. Time and Location TBA. Tue. Oct. 20 RCH, 7:30 - 9:00 Troop meeting - elections for troop officers and patrol leaders. Tue. Oct. 27 PLC meeting for newly elected officers and patrol leaders at Pizza Hut UPCOMING EVENTS - SAVE THE DATE Fri. Jan. 8 - Sun. Jan. 10 Paren/son ski trip to Crystal Mountain, staying at The Timbers Camp in Traverse City. ANNUAL CALENDAR WITH ALL DATES WILL BE PUBLISHED LATER THIS WEEK.           Posted Sep 12 2009, 07:13 PM by Dave Verlinde with 1 comment(s)

• Entrance into Stoney Creek High School for those making pies Friday

  Park off of Tienken and enter into the building that way.  Those who are making deliveries need to go on the east side of the building by the football field to where the loading dock is.   Posted Sep 10 2009, 08:01 PM by Scott Schuster with no comments Filed under: Apple Pies

• Scout Parking (Arts & Apples)

  All scouts MUST call their patrol leader to sign up for a shift at the handicapped parking lot (Pine & 6th Street) during Arts & Apples. The times are Saturday 8:30-11 AM, 11 AM -1 PM. 1 - 3 PM, 3-5:30 PM, Sunday 9-11 AM, 11 AM-1 PM, 1 - 3 PM, 3-5:00 PM. The last shift Sunday will assist in clean-up. SCOUTS BE IN YOUR CLASS A UNIFORM. Food & water will be available at the site for scouts. Posted Sep 09 2009, 06:01 AM by Bill Burlingame with no comments Filed under: Community Service

• Apple Pie Udate ~ Urgent

  Okay everyone, we're down to wire. The troop needs a little more help to fill a few shifts, some of you have stepped up and signed up for additional shifts and we thank you. Anyone else who can work any of the additional shifts listed below please email Laurie Simon right away. Thank you! Selling:  Fri 4-8; Sat. 8:30am-12, 12-4, 4-8pm Pie Making:  Fri.2-5; Sat. 2-5, 5-8pm   Laurie lsimon221@comcast.net Posted Sep 08 2009, 07:49 PM by Laurie Simon with no comments

• 4 Pie Locations to Master

  Follow these links for google maps to our various pie locations.  Thursday Dough Night -- Avon Hills Coop on Drexelgate Friday Night Baking at Stoney Creek High off Tienken Saturday Baking at the OPC on Leitica Drive  Pie Selling on Saturday and Sunday, Our tent location in the Rochester Municipal Park, downtown Cheers! Posted Sep 05 2009, 09:16 PM by Scott Schuster with no comments Filed under: Apple Pies

• Apple Pies ~ Action Needed Now!

  There are still a couple of families who haven't signed up for their shifts. Please do so now! We are in need of as many families as possible to sign up for additional shifts if at all possible. The below listed shifts do not have enough workers, those marked with an * need the most help. Please contact me ASAP if you can help out. I know it's a lot to ask but this is the only way we will be able to make & sell the number of pies we need to make this fundraiser successful. Even one extra shift would help and be much appreciated. Friday- Selling - 4-8 *Friday-Making - 2-5 * *Saturday-Selling -  8:30-12* Saturday-Selling - 12-4 *Saturday-Selling - 4-8* Saturday-Making - 8-11am *Saturday-Making - 2-5* *Saturday-Making - 5-8* *Sunday-Selling - 11:30-2:30* Sunday-Selling - 2:30-5:30  Please contact me asap to sign up. Thank you everyone, your generous giving of your time will make this event a success. Laurie Simon lsimon221@comcast.net     Posted Sep 05 2009, 12:40 PM by Laurie Simon with no comments

• Baking Location Change for Apple Pies -- Please Read

  Dear Families, We have had a major change in making of the Apple Pies.  We have had to find new locations this year.  Please note the following: Friday we will be making pies at Stoney Creek High School.  Saturday we will be at OPC.  The shift hours remain the same, only locations have changed.  Also, we will be visited by the health dept. at OPC and they are very strict.   We cannot risk being shut down.  Therefore, there will be no eating or drinking in the preparation area, hair must be restrained with a hat or hairnet at all times.  Gloves must be worn and handwashing must be done after eating or drinking, using the toilet or touching soiled utensils. Laurie Simon has been doing the scheduling and has pointed out that not all families have scheduled their times yet.  Please remember that this is not an optional thing.  We all have an obligation for the Troop. There have also been several people questioning presales on pies.  Please contact me at my email artisticframing@comcast.net. in regards to this.  Because of all the changes we were not encouraging presales this year.  Any presales will have to be picked up Friday evening no later than 9 pm. at Stoney Creek.    Thanks for all your help and understanding. Diane Iglesias Posted Sep 05 2009, 09:39 AM by Scott Schuster with no comments Filed under: Apple Pies

• Here We Go Again . . . . .

  Troop 125 Scouts and Parents:  Most of you have a little bit more reprieve yet with school starting post-Labor Day again this year.    But, just as the 2009/10 school year is close to launching, we are also about to re-start Troop 125!    Lots of fun and big events in the plan for this upcoming year!    Then again, things never really slowed down for many of your scouts over the summer . . . we had more T125 activities over this last summer than most of us ever remember pulling off!      It is always rewarding to see the troop refresh itself, and we’ve got a great new set of scouts and families involved with us since many of you joined last March.    And you will be impressed with the progress of the new scouts in advancement this upcoming year!   The summer events for the whole troop were a tremendous success!    At Lost Lake Scout Camp, the scouts earned over 130 merit badges, and we saw 10 rank advancements!     The camp gateways, “golf course”, and patrol camaraderie were all highlights.     Many of these campers were new scouts . . . who have used this opportunity to get off to a fast start!   You’ll see the summer camp advancement results at the court of honor  . . . some of you may have already seen maturity and leadership results that a strong summer experience provides!    Much thanks once again to Bill Burlingame and the assistant scoutmasters who dedicated their time to lead this great experience!   High adventure and service activities for the older boys also continued over the summer.    Our Philmont Scout Ranch crews got some great views of New Mexico, climbing no less than 5 peaks greater than 10,000 feet in thier trip!   Our Venture Crew had its first major outing, doing whitewater rafting in July!   And many of you took advantage of the Troop serving as the Honor Guard for Fort Mackinac, by accompanying the 42 scouts up there for some fun and relaxation.   Thanks to all these Mackinac participants for dedicating themselves to the training that preceded these successful events, especially to Dave Verlinde for organizing and leading this..   As you know we are very dependent on electronic communication these days; if you have not bookmarked the troop website (http://www.cvctroop125.org/ ), please take this opportunity.   This is your “lifeline” to the troop!   Also, make sure we have your email address, and any changes that you make to it!   We've always got far too many "dead" email addresses in our troop family.   The weekend after Labor Day brings our primary fund-raising event, apple pies of course!    We are fortunate to have one big event (many troops have fundraising all year long and/or recurring dues).  But with one event it makes your family’s commitment to service at this event critical.    You should already be signed up for shifts, but if not please phone or email Laurie Simon (email  lsimon221@comcast.net) ASAP.    You may have noticed that we’ve got more selling shifts to staff, and a new approach to pies as a result of some changes the overall Arts ‘n Apples organizers made.      And I hope everyone understands that as a part of T125, you must “do pies”.    This pays for the annual costs of operating the Troop, buys equipment, and supplements the cost of outings.   Our current financial outlook is strong overall, but we always have somewhat of a sigh of relief if/when pie sales are successful, because the annual costs the troop incurs are fairly significant.    Finally, I think a lot of you share our feelings that “pie weekend” is indeed a lot of work, but we have a lot of fun doing it together!   Make sure you introduce yourself amd talk with the other troop families there!   We have been blessed in the past to have many strong and talented adult contributors to leading the troop.   I spnet about 3 years helping run our parent Ojibwa District a while back, which gave me perspective on many Scout Troops in the area.   Our Trrop is indeed "Second to None" in many aspects of the overall program we conduct.     But there is a need for more help, particularly now, as some of our long-standing leaders have boys that are “aging out”.    Just like our scouts, the adult volunteers typically have a limited lifecycle.   The good news is that this drives constant refresh and new ideas into the troop.    New and existing parents:   please talk with us about what involvement with the Troop you will have!   In closing, let me again make it clear that the Troop Committee always welcomes your input and participation in running the troop.   Talk to us with concerns or ideas . . . . or join us on the first Monday evening of each month!   And of course . . . continue to check the website for schedule and announcement updates!   On behalf of the Troop 125 Committee,         Terry Connolly       Committee Chair, Troop 125                                        Also:  Take a minute during Apple Pie work to talk with the many committee members that help T125 function  . . . . And all the other parent volunteers that make this troop one of the best around!   Posted Sep 03 2009, 06:46 PM by Terry Connolly with no comments