The Scatacookian 08/08/2008

Published Bi-monthly by the ACTING Interim District Chairman - Eric Goldstein

August 8, 2008

Dear Fellow Scouter,

As summer days get shorter, and we remember our summer camp experience, the District Committee has recently completed it’s planning process for the new year, similar to many packs, troops and crews. It will be an exciting year, there are some new enhancements being planned and the status quo is not remaining.

I am contacting you because our District Chairman, Alvin Tuck, has resigned. We have all benefited from Alvin’s dedication and actions in the District. I am happy that Alvin is remaining active on the District level. Glad that Alvin is a Scatacookian. A nominating committee has been established to seek a replacement. I am quite content remaining as Vice Chairman of Finance, but will serve as Acting District Chairman. I have had many pleasant experiences as both a professional and volunteer with Scatacook. I look forward to the next few months.

Fall is our busiest time, there are many activities planned for the District and your individual Unit. Our District is here to assist you in delivering the greatest program available to the youth we serve. Our District website, www.scatacook.org is our most important communication tool. Your Unit should be linked. Jay Lubin, Webmaster, can assist you in technical issues. A wealth of information is available.

Our Commissioners lead by Mike Carpenter, District Commissioner, are concerned with the quality of the program we deliver. Mike is supported by Unit Commissioners and Assistant District Commissioners. Mike also runs, with Roundtable Commissioners, our Monthly Roundtable, on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Roundtable is held at St. Thomas Church in Bethel, starting at 7:30 PM. Roundtable is more than just a monthly meeting. Program ideas, fellowship, and activities are just a few advantages of attending. Come and see what the best practices of your peer units are. See you September 10th.

Tom Maxwell is driving our Marketing area. Tom will assist on articles in community newspapers and printed media. Tom, can assist in raising the profile of your unit and spreading the positive aspects of Scouting.

Wade Anderson, is heading the Search Committee to find more volunteers to join our District. Want to know how the district operates - contact Wade. The District Committee meets on the first Wednesday of each month, also at St. Thomas Church, at 7:30 PM. You are cordially invited to attend. It’s your District.

Eric Larson, our Vice Chairman of Program, handles many of the operating committees. Our Fall Camporee, with the Order of the Arrow, is being finalized. Training, advancement, and activities are core to the program component. Eric can assist on various levels.

Fall recruitment is very important in keeping our district vibrant. Every unit should plan and have an open house or recruitment event. The more the better. A district recruitment planning event is scheduled for Aug 27 at 7:00 PM at the Hoyt Scout Reservation - lower field. Frank Considine, our District Executive, will be point person. Recruitment Flyers are available for schools to be personalized for your unit, for free.

Popcorn is an opportunity to raise some funds for your unit’s treasury. Please contact Mary Anne, at Hilker@ctyankee.org for more information.

Your Scouting experience should be fun and memorable, our District is here to help you. Please contact any member for help.

If you know someone to add to the District database, please e-mail me. If you want to be removed, please e-mail me.

A proud SCATACOOKIAN,

Eric Goldstein