Troop 306 Weekly Newsletter- 10/24/2021

Troop 306 Weekly Newsletter 

Celebrating our 109th Anniversary serving youth in Catonsville and beyond . . .

CALENDAR

Here are some important upcoming dates:

OCTOBER

24 – Maryland Renaissance Festival Fundraiser 

26 – Chef Paulino's Eagle Project Fundraiser for Gregory Jones (see additional info below)

28 – Regular Scout Meeting, 6:30 – 8PM(Annual Halloween Party)

29 - 31 (Camping at Poplar Grove Youth Campground in Thurmont, MD)

NOVEMBER

2 – PLC (6:30PM), and Troop Committee Meeting (7:30PM) via Zoom (NOTE: Date change for November)

11 – Regular Scout Meeting, 6:30 – 8PM, in person, CPC

18 – Regular Scout Meeting, 6:30 – 8PM, in person, CPC

19 - 21 (Backpacking Camping Trip TBD)

26 – Christmas Tree Sale Setup, 9AM - 12PM

27 – Christmas Tree Delivery & Start of Sale (8AM), and Annual CPC Grounds Cleanup (9AM)

We hope that everyone is safe and well.  Catonsville Presbyterian Church remains closed to outside groups due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.  For now, Troop 306 will continue to hold regular Troop meetings outdoors at CPC, and the PLC and Troop Committee meetings will remain virtual.

Listed above are the Troop's upcoming meetings and activities for the months of October and November. 

MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

Today is the big day!  Many thanks to all of our volunteers, particularly those who do not currently have a Scout in the Troop, and those who have aged out.  We greatly appreciate your help!

Only six families with boys currently in the Troop volunteered for today's commitment.  This is something that must change in the new year, and will be discussed at upcoming meetings.

EAGLE PROJECT FUNDRAISER AT CHEF PAULINO'S FOR GREGORY JONES

Gregory Jones recently received approval from the District for his Eagle Project Proposal.  Gregory will be completing a beautification and landscaping project to draw attention to the main entrance of Emmanuel Lutheran School in Catonsville, MD.

Gregory is holding a couple of fundraisers to help with the costs of his project.  The first fundraiser will be at Chef Paulino's Cafe in Catonsville on Tuesday, October 26, from 4 - 8:30 pm.  A portion of the proceeds from that night will go towards his fundraising efforts.  Gregory is very thankful for the support of Chef Paulino's, and hopes that you will join him that evening for dinner.  Carry-out and dine-in options are available.

Thank you in advance for your support!

CHRISTMAS TREE SALE SCHEDULE

It's hard to believe that Christmas is two months away!  As noted above, our annual Christmas Tree sale will began on November 27.  The sale is the Troop's biggest fundraiser, and participation from every Scout family is required.  A schedule will be prepared based upon availability.  Please be on the lookout for an email later this week with more information.

RE-CHARTERING

It's almost time to complete the re-chartering process.  As discussed at the Troop Committee meetings in September and October, BSA has raised the registration fees for youths and adults yet again, although thankfully the increase was not as substantial as the previous two years.  The current National registration fee for Scouts is $72, and the fee is $45 for adults.  So that the Troop does not have to absorb the increases, the Committee decided that the reregistration fee this year will be $130 per Scout.  The cost for adult registered members will be $50.  Dues cover badges, handbooks, troop insurance, Council and National Council registration fees, Boys Life magazine subscriptions, etc.  Payment is due no later than Thursday, 11/18.  Fees may given to Cynthia at meetings, or submitted electronically to Jeff via Zelle or PayPal (please inform Cynthia of any electronic payments).

Parents:  Please remember that funds in your son's Scout account may be used to cover reregistration fees.  If you need to know the balance in the account, please contact Cynthia.  

Adult Members:  Almost all of you have YPT dates that expire next year, so you must complete YPT again this year.  Please try to have this done no later than Thursday, 11/11.  If possible, please email me a pdf copy of your certificate.  Background forms are only required for new adult members or those changing positions.

All:  Please inform Cynthia of any changes to your contact information.

CATONSVILLE FOOD/OTHER ESSENTIALS COLLECTION

Catonsville Presbyterian Church, the Knights of Columbus, and other churches in the Catonsville area are again collecting non-perishable food items and other essentials (cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and personal hygiene items) to support the food pantries/distribution centers at Grace AME and CEA.  There will be a drive-through collection at CPC from 4 - 6 pm on Friday, November 12.  Items can also be dropped off at the Knights of Columbus from 9:30 am - 12 pm on Saturday, November 13.  

There also will be a huge "Fill the Truck" event at the Knights of Columbus on Saturday, November 6.

Here is a list of the most needed items:

FOOD ITEMS:
Pancake mix
Pancake Syrup
Muffin mixes
CEREAL (any type)
Peanut Butter
Jelly
 Potato side dishes
Boxes/bags of Rice, Pasta, Beans
 Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruits
Canned Meats – tuna, salmon, ham, spam          
Canned soups, stews, or chili
Canned Beans
 Cake Mixes
Frostings for the cakes
Brownie Mixes
Cookie mixes (usually in bags)

As we get closer to the holidays, these items may also be donated:
Canned pumpkin
Stuffing 
Gravy mix 
Canned yams/sweet potatoes, potatoes
Canned green beans, sauerkraut, collards
Cranberry sauce
Canned apple sauce
Pie fillings

Personal hygiene items: toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, feminine products, shampoo, conditioner, hand & body lotion, etc.

Laundry & Cleaning supplies:  soap powders for laundry, dishwasher products, Soft Scrub or similar products, Windex, toilet cleaners, bacterial type cleaners for floors, counters, Clorox wipes, etc.

POPCORN SALE

Very few families expressed interest in the popcorn sale, but since the sale is easy, we are moving forward with it.  Cynthia will provide information to the interested family.  If additional families want to participate, that's fine.  Just reach out to Cynthia for more information.  Please keep in the mind that the deadline to submit orders and money for any traditional (not online) sales is Thursday, October 28.

WE NEED YOU!

Troop 306 has officially entered its 109th year, which is pretty awesome!  This accomplishment is greatly due to the support from CPC, the community, and in particular parental involvement, and all of which are necessary for the Troop to continue to thrive.  We encourage each family to attend the Troop Committee meeting held on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm -- this is a great way to learn about upcoming plans, see how the Troop is managed, and obtain more information about areas of need.  The meetings are currently being held via Zoom.

Lastly, we have a camping trip at the this month, and general parent participation is always needed at these events.  If you're interested in attending the trip, please let Jeff and Hope know.

SCOUTING IS IN HIGH GEAR!!!!! LET'S HAVE A GREAT SCOUT YEAR!!!!