Committee Meeting for November, 2005

 

The meeting was chaired by Lisa Hoke, in the absence of Art Silverman.

Annie Noel, Clara Robles, Alan Vandenburgh, John LeMon, Francesca Rey

and Barry Wood attended.

 

 

John Le Mon gave the Scoutmaster’s report. John LeMon reported that the October 29th event went well. A net profit of $1,405 was recorded. This is somewhat less than in 2004. Reasons for the decline may be the absence from pre-event selling due to illness of last year's sales leader, Josh Noel. Scott Hoke was this year's best seller. Purchases of new table cloths mildly detracted from profits. John and most parents agreed that things went smoother this year than last, when we were new to the St. Ann's kitchen and had several first year Scouts and parents.

 

This year $1500 was collected from advance sales and $600 came from walk-ins and $71 from donations. There were suggestions that the tips boxes should be labeled "donations" and that more advertising is needed. More donation containers are needed. New chef hats are needed. There was a suggestion that the event should start an hour later. Alan Vandenburgh suggested that consideration be given to having a special category of ticket for those who might prefer to donate extra amounts of money. He mentions a connection with a homeless shelter in the neighborhood so that Scouts when soliciting door-to-door could indicate that a portion of the purchase price would be donated to a shelter.

 

2. Christmas Tree Sale

 

The Christmas tree sale in our old, preferred location at River Road Church is scheduled for December 10th. ALL SCOUTS AND PARENTS ARE NEEDED FOR AS MUCH OF THE 9-6 PERIOD AS POSSIBLE. Event chairman Barry Wood presented the following report: 100 trees have been ordered and one half of the purchase price already paid. The trees will be delivered Friday evening December 9th. The order from Seasonal Evergreen is similar to last year, 50 balsam firs at 6 to 8 feet heights, 40 Douglas firs, 6 to 8 feet heights, and 36 balsam wreaths with red bows. This is an increase from 24 wreaths last year. Our cost is $3245.60 compared to $2774.80 in 2004.

 

It was agreed that a more aggressive advertising campaign will be launched in the weeks beginning with Thanksgiving. Clara Robles volunteered to help. Laminated notices are to be placed in Tenley Town stores and banners put up where possible. Churches, email newsletters and neighborhood newspapers will be approached. Treasurer Donald Francis will be asked to provide the checks that were saved from last year so that those purchasers can be informed of the impending sale. Scouts will distribute flyers. We will offer free delivery within the neighborhood.

 

Last year the tree sale netted $1500. John LeMon believes we might make double that amount this year. Participants agreed that we set a target of $2000 profit.

 

3. Philmont High Adventure 2007

 

In his Scoutmaster report, John indicated that we are in the midst of seeking access to the high adventure Scout facility in Philmont, New

Mexico for June 2007. A request for a reservation is being made now and we should know the result by the end of December. If approved, the event would be for a minimum of 12 days and parents of participating Scouts will have to make a $50 non-refundable deposit by the end of January 2006. To participate, a Scout must be 14 by January 1, 2007, have finished 8th grade and achieved First Class rank. As of now, John says those eligible would be James Barber, Mathew Bond, Alex Francisi, Josh Noel, Michael Robles, Scot Hoke, and Nick Wood. The maximum permitted size of the group is 12 Scouts. Participation would cost each family approximately $1100 to 1200. If approved, the plan would be to follow the pattern of 2003 and have a post-Philmont event, perhaps an extended hike through the Grand Canyon. In 03 the group was in the West for four weeks. John sees 24 days as a minimum time away.

 

4. Adventure in Summer 2006, John reports that a decision will be made in January about what to do in the summer of 2006. Scouts will be choosing between the Adirondacks in New York state, northern New Jersey and the boundary waters along the Minnesota Canada border. The themes for July-August 2006 are water safety and canoeing. John regards team building as the principal objective.

 

 

Don Francis gave the Treasurer’s report. Don has transferred all authority from Ruth to himself. Don has indicated that the current bank is charging a fee and not providing a good interest rate. As a result, he feels we need to move the Troop checking account to another bank. Dues were set at $120 for the year last year and will remain the same for this year.

 

Art Silverman will send out a notice to all Scout families to send in their dues by November 1, 2005. Don will also develop a budget in coordination with Art and John Le Mon. Current Balance is $9,968.

 

 

There will be a PLC meeting November 11.

 

Two to four drivers are needed for the Appalachian Trail camp-out November 19 and 20. The outing begins on the Skyline Driver with pick-up on Route 211.  Departure time is from 7am Saturday from St. Ann's.

 

The PLC weekend will be February 24-26 with a backup date of February 10-12. We are in need of use of a cabin or country house that could accommodate 10 to 12 people. Parents, who may know of an available place, please contact John.

 

The Scout room at St. Ann's is about to move. We will be occupying a storage room near the Collins room nearer to the actual church. The move will be done on a weekend in November or December.

 

There will be a Board of Review on November 18th if any Scout is ready for advancement.

 

Barry Wood

ad hoc secretary