Committee Meeting Notes for January 24, 2002

This meeting was held in Room 50 at Maple East at 7:00 PM, and ended shortly after 8:00 PM. In attendance were:

• Darlene Carroll
• Bill Grieshober
• Kevin Lanighan
• Marian Morales
• Linda Pinski
• Kathi Sullivan
• Jean-Claude Thill
• Mike Townsend

The following items were discussed:

• Pinewood Derby - big success, everyone seemed to have a good time. Kathi Sullivan noted that the track needs some repairs, everyone agreed that it was a good idea to put some $$ into the track.
• There was some discussion about having the Derby later in January - so that families did not feel so rushed during the Holidays. There was some discussion about having the Derby be the January Pack meeting - but then when would you have the Arrow of Light ceremony? Would Dens be ready in Dec??? Some might, but many would need the extra time ...
• Jan 28th Pack meeting: Arrow of Light Ceremony, Den 14 to also do flag ceremony; ZooMobile to follow ... All of Den 14 should receive the Arrow of Light and many badges/pins; a lot of hard work by the boys ...
• Feb 24th Blue & Gold Breakfast (B&G):
  • All set, Darlene reported that so far we have heard from 23 of 53 Scouts, with 22 attending. Please remind your Dens to register - last year late reservations were a problem.
  • There was some discussion about having the Webelos Ceremony at the B&G but it was decided that the emphasis should be on the Webelos II Crossover Ceremony. The Webelos Ceremony will be pushed off until March.
  • Kevin will explain what the B&G is at the next Pack meeting for any younger Scouts or new Scouts that may not know what it's all about.
  • Darlene has an appointment scheduled the week before the banquet with the facility to finalize room arrangement, etc. Dens should be reminded that they are to make centerpieces and placemats - each table will hold 8-10, so each Den may need more than one centerpiece depending on attendance. We will also have balloons to decorate the room.
  • Mr. Gaughan has been invited, as well as representatives from Troop 457. The Amherst Police Officers may also join us for brunch.
  • Marian and Darlene have been trying to get prizes, and it was decided to have a 50/50 raffle - the only cost will be the tickets.
  • There is no "charge" for the canine unit - we will make a donation to the police department.
  • Darlene, Marian and kathi to continue planning ...
• FAME Park cleanup - no one has been doing it but the park has been clean. Dens are encouraged to sign up.
• Advancement - Marian will be going to the scout store before Monday, Webelos II will be getting many awards.
• Summer Camp - Jean-Claude went over info including cost, dates, due dates, encouraged scouts to attend. Early registration is in March.
• Membership - All complete and all $$ collected; there was a discussion about fee level ... maybe we should collect more, especially as participation in the popcorn sale was not as expected. The funds cover patches, pins, B&G, speakers, Derby cars and prizes, etc. ... not a lot left over after cost of above (see treasurer's report, below).
• Long discussion ensued about future of Pack 222:
  • With so many leaving after February, and redistricting also possibly playing a role, it was felt that parents of younger Cubs need to take a more active role; how best to get volunteers??? It was suggested that a letter be sent to all parents with a plea to take on some responsibility for activities.
  • The Committee should also look at sign-up sheets used at the beginning of the year. Maybe some have already volunteered and need to be asked.,
  • Kevin has interest in being Committee Chair if someone becomes Cubmaster ... Can't do both ...
  • It will be very difficult to replace Dave but he is leaving great notes; plans to follow (note from Dave: *blush*).
  • There was some discussion of having the whole year templated to make it easier to follow.
  • The general idea was that the more people involved, the less burden on any one individual.
  • The Pack needs more leadership.
  • There was some disappointment in attendance at committee meetings; however, we don't want to push the Den leaders too much as they are already volunteering. Kevin might have a short meeting with the Den leaders during ZooMobile to encurage participation.
  • Each parent should volunteer for at least one activity. Some activities require special skills (web page) others more just time (food drive).
• Treasurer's report - Mike T. went over the activity from recent months. The Pack is in OK shape but could be better... The popcorn sale was disappointing, and we should consider other fundraisers. There was talk of a cake raffle or bake sale. Bill G. again volunteered to obtain tickets to a Bison's game free of charge; they could be sold for a nominal amount as a fundraiser. It was decided that this discussion could be put off somewhat until redistricting is complete and new volunteers are involved. Bill S. will take over as treasurer; he may want to consider moving Pack $$ to another bank/credit union that does not charge monthly fee, Mike to stay on to show Bill S. how B&G works.
• New Business:
  • See previous discussion about need for more volunteers ...
  • Scouting Anniversary week Feb 4-8-cubs to wear uniforms Feb 6, possibly have display in from cabinet,
  • There was a discussion about more social activities, some paid by Pack, but we would need more fundraisers.
  • There was a discussion of previous activities, maybe we could do some again after a few years...
  • There will be more discussion to follow after future leadership is determined, possibly the creation of a social chair person, goal of one activity every month or so.
  • Outward bound committee? No committee currently ... A spring activity would be nice ...
• Last year we canceled the meeting right before the B&G ... There will be no B&G issues to resolve on Feb.21, but redistricting will be finalized by then and there could be more discussion on the future of the Pack?????? We did not discuss this next meeting.