Boy Scouts

A bright flash of lightning, loud rolling thunder, then came pelting hail. Members of Boy Scout Troop 509 crouched on the ground counting the time between bolts of lightning and rolls of thunder, and realized a storm was coming right for them. There was only one thing to do, make a run for the Red Roof Inn. But this Red Roof Inn, unlike ones with fresh sheets and clean towels, was actually a latrine at Philmont with a red roof where everyone huddled until the storm subsided.

It?s time once again for the event La Cañada gardeners and homeowners have been waiting ? St. Bede?s Boy Scout Troop No. 507?s annual manure sale. For nearly 30 years the troop of about 70 area boys has provided the area with a variety of garden products, including steer manure, planter mix, decorative bark, potting soil, grass seed and peat moss. The items are sold through door-to-door pre-orders, or call-in orders and delivered by the scouts. Tom Reynolds, a longtime La Cañadan and satisfied customer of the annual Boy Scout garden products sale, said he can?

Boy Scouts of America Troop 507 honored six Eagle Scouts at a ceremony held at Lanterman Auditorium on Sunday, July 9. More than 200 people attended the Eagle Court of Honor to celebrate the accomplishments of Robert W. Keatinge, Eric M. Larin, Alexander E. Morelan III, Philip T. Paulson, Matthew A. Saydah and Clint S. Watson. The Eagle is Boy Scouting's highest award and is achieved by only four percent of scouts. Former Scoutmaster John Doyle presided as master of ceremonies, with Rev. Msgr.

The Verdugo Hills Council of the Boy Scouts of America gathered in grand fashion on Thursday night to install new officers, recognize award winners and present the Eagle Scout Class of 2009, of which 27 out of 72 Eagles were present, said master of ceremonies and Council Advancement chair Dan Humfreville. Verdugo Hills Council Commissioner Rahla Lindsey was installed as the Council?s new president. She succeeds Council President Tom McLurkin Jr. The Verdugo Hills Council serves Scouts in the Glendale, Burbank, North Hollywood, Sun Valley, Sunland, Tujunga, La Crescenta, Montrose, La Cañada Flintridge and Eagle Rock areas, according to the Council website.

For his eagle project, Hutchens chose the A.C.A.C. organization, which removes children from abusive situations. This is done rather quickly and the children leave their homes with nothing. Hutchens prepared emergency kits for children in order for them to have the bare necessities during the difficult transition period. He had scouts and their mothers sew drawstring bags and then fill them with a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, shampoo, soap, lotion and a toy. He prepared just under 200 bags for the organization.

Jamboree Troop 826 is comprised of scouts from 12 different troops within the Verdugo Hills Council. The St. Francis Scouts are Andy Cohen, Tom Cohen, Stephen Dennis, Benjamin Granja, Hunter Kirkwood, Spencer Kirkwood, Ryan Kunitake, Chris Saunders and Patrick Schwing. Other Scouts of Jamboree Troop 826 also announced in May, 2004, after an application and interview process are: Thomas Burke, James Fletcher, Alex Gallegos, Shane Garside, Johnathan Jianu, Michael Jianu, David Khudaverdyan, Ted Kim, Kevin Kunitake, Erik Larson, Doorie Lee, Michael Lessley, Collin Lievense, Kevin Markonich, Timothy Markonich, Austin Messer, Andrew Noyes, Thomas Noyes, Steven Peters, Brian Plumtree, Austin Reed, Michael Ryder, Kevin Sanchez, Michael Scarlata, Daniel Smith , Mark Wagner and Luke Webster.

Boy Scouts prepare for adventure Boy Scouts from St. George’s Episcopal Church Troop 502 of La Cañada are backpacking on a 71-mile trek at the Boy Scouts of America’s premier high adventure base, Philmont Scout Ranch, near Cimarron, N.M. Once a cattle ranch, Philmont is now a high adventure Boy Scout camp with 200 square miles of wilderness. Scouts backpack across the ranch carrying 30-pound packs, preparing their own food and stopping at various camps along the way. They will participate in adventurous activities including black powder rifle shooting, rappelling down cliffs and hiking the 12,441-foot Baldy Mountain.

Bruce Hinckley is the 2006 recipient of the Boy Scouts of America Award of Excellence from the Verdugo Hills Council executive board of Boy Scouts of America. The council based its decision on Hinckley's numerous contributions to Scouting and other youth endeavors over the years. He will be honored at an awards dinner on Jan. 19 at the Castaways Restaurant. Hinckley was awarded his Eagle Scout badge in 1964, following his three older brothers and later his son, receiving their Eagles.

I live on El Vago Street next to the Edison right of way. I want to thank the LCF Trails Council and the Boy Scouts for the new corral-type fencing and the lovely sign that shows the altitudes of the various points on the trail. The sign shows the altitude to be 1,950 feet. My map from the U.S. Dept. of the Interior Geological Survey shows the altitude at the sign to be about 1,850 feet. This has been confirmed by a very expensive altimeter. Interesting! Bob Macmillan La Cañada Flintridge

Girl Scouts across America are celebrating the organization's 100th anniversary this year, and La Cañada Flintridge's Lanterman House is getting in on the festivities. The museum will be opening an exhibition on the history of the Girl Scouts on Feb.5 and hosting a birthday party for scouting on March 18. Christie Crahan, a member of the Girl Scouts Greater Los Angeles Council's Heritage Committee, said the abiding theme of the exhibition and events is the connection between the organization's past and present.

I live on El Vago Street next to the Edison right of way. I want to thank the LCF Trails Council and the Boy Scouts for the new corral-type fencing and the lovely sign that shows the altitudes of the various points on the trail. The sign shows the altitude to be 1,950 feet. My map from the U.S. Dept. of the Interior Geological Survey shows the altitude at the sign to be about 1,850 feet. This has been confirmed by a very expensive altimeter. Interesting! Bob Macmillan La Cañada Flintridge

I was volunteering at an Eagle Board of Review, helping a boy transition to the pinnacle of Boy Scouts. His resume and interview were perfect. I had the last question: “Have you ever done any projects or backpacking trips with a Girl Scout troop?” He answered casually, “No, but I wish we had.” Afterward, I was chatting with the Scout leaders when one of the men rolled his eyes and, in a patronizing tone, said, “Dr. Joe! Girl Scouts don’t backpack. They make bracelets!

The Verdugo Hills Boy Scout Council is hosting its 37th Annual Big Strike Auction fundraiser on Friday, March 25 at the Castaways Restaurant in Burbank. The theme for this year’s event is “Scouting Builds Memories.” Los Angeles Times columnist Chris Erskine of La Cañada Flintridge will serve as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. Approximately 300 items will be up for auction as well. The new chairpersons for the local Boy Scout Council, Bob and Dorothy Black, will be introduced as the new troop leaders.

Holden Kilbride new Eagle Scout Holden Kilbride, of Boy Scout Troop 501 from La Cañada Congregational Church, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. This honor follows his 12 years in Scouting, starting as a Tiger Cub, and continuing through Webelos with Paradise Canyon, Pack 519. As a Cub Scout, Holden earned the Arrow of Light. He has great memories of his Cub Scout days, particularly the Pinewood Derby and many Scout trips and hikes. As a Boy Scout, Holden has held the leadership positions of senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader and troop guide.

Letters to the Editor: Scouting skills proved invaluable to family “To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.” This year these lines from the Boy Scout Oath have been tested too many times. Friday night, mud rushed by my house, damaging my front yard and my car. Earlier this year, we watched fire burn within feet of our neighbor’s yards. By good fortune, we were spared the worst devastation, but because we were prepared the damage we did suffer was minimized.

The Verdugo Hills Council of the Boy Scouts of America gathered in grand fashion on Thursday night to install new officers, recognize award winners and present the Eagle Scout Class of 2009, of which 27 out of 72 Eagles were present, said master of ceremonies and Council Advancement chair Dan Humfreville. Verdugo Hills Council Commissioner Rahla Lindsey was installed as the Council?s new president. She succeeds Council President Tom McLurkin Jr. The Verdugo Hills Council serves Scouts in the Glendale, Burbank, North Hollywood, Sun Valley, Sunland, Tujunga, La Crescenta, Montrose, La Cañada Flintridge and Eagle Rock areas, according to the Council website.