[Troop 68] ARROW!

[adzlt80 at aol.com]

Hi Folks,
 
          I, for one, am  exceedingly happy to finally see January arrive, 
with its cleansing frigidity  and purifying blankets of fresh white snow. It 
warms the cockles of my heart to  see my two healthy, strapping young men 
out in the fresh air shoveling  themselves silly with a minimum of discord. 
Steaming mug of coffee in  hand, the corners of my mouth rising in a 
self-satisfied smile, I wipe the  condensation from the storm door and gaze out upon 
a vista worthy of  Currier and Ives. Whether you like it or not, looks like 
it's  time for an ARROW! (better than a stake of holly in the heart or a  
fruitcake induced instep fracture. Those are the worst)
 
          Sept. 11,12 and 13  were special days, special indeed. For many 
years now, from across the bright,  crackling flames of deep winter fires, 
from across sticky summer camp dining  tables, and from the hushed 
conversation drifting from small knots of  green and tan clad men, came tales of a 
wonderful, unearthly land, a mysterious  Scouting Avalon, a place of Cherished 
Memory, a place where Boys grew into  Men. But, alas and alack, entry to this 
magical ground had been denied for  many moons, prohibited except to a 
select few. This hallowed place was  called Pomperaug, and most of us despaired 
of ever landing there. One day we  learned that the veil was to lift. I, for 
one, was intrigued. I had not expected  to be granted admission in my 
lifetime, and there was much inner rejoicing.  After girding our loins and 
packing the truck my son and I set out.  Following the runes, we traveled north by 
east until finally it appeared,  Brigadoonesque. The truck slowly crunched 
over the gravelled hardpack as we  inched down the road, taking care not to 
squash the odd elf or leprechaun.  Creeping along under its leafy bower I 
was impressed as to how much was  hidden. Small groups of six person 
cabin/leanto's were nestled together deep in  the trees. Screened, and possessing 
electricity, they were a pleasant change. A  large red dining hall (I really 
like red dining halls) soon appeared on  the left and a new and modern looking 
utility/activity building on the  right. A small lake appeared between the 
trees, glittering jewel like in the  slowly setting sun. Myriad small 
buildings of various purposes poked out of the  greenery. One of the best parts, 
in my opinion, was the old hunting lodge  with its half timbered Hansel and 
Gretal interior perched on the lake edge.  The Ct. Burn Association had 
been(and still are)leasing  the Union, CT  camp from CT Yankee Council for years 
as a summer camp for severely  burned children and had done a lot of the 
upkeep. Troop 68 was there to plan for  its sponsorship of the October Fall 
Camporee, theme being Backpacking. Much had  to be done, from sweeping pine 
needles from cabin roofs to a total survey of all  sites and buildings to ready 
them for the influx of hordes of eager Scouts  and Scouters. Jeff Liskov 
was charged with the planning and prep and soon had  the process humming along 
in his very efficient way. Dan Marazita kept the  Senior Patrol going with 
pancakes, soup and sandwiches and his mouth  watering trademark Alfredo. A 
good time was had by all
 
          On October 16,  17 and 18, Troop 68 sponsored the Fall Camporee 
at, you guessed it, Camp  Pomperaug, Union, CT,  theme Backpacking. Stations 
were Wilderness First  Aid, Map and Compass, Backpacking Gear/Packing, A 
Short Backpacking Trip, Fire  Building, Backpack Cooking and Leave No Trace. 
Troops attending were 65, 67, 63,  103, 100, and Crew 68 ( not a complete 
list) The boys did a wonderful job  of keeping things on track and effective. A S
cavenger Hunt and Troop  Invitational Cook-Off capped the afternoon and a 
Skit and Song filled  Campfire was the icing on the cake. Chef John Valus Sr. 
did a fantastic job  keeping everyone fed, culminating with a Pulled Pork 
to die for.  Thank you  all for a truly memorable time.
 
          Nov. 21, 22 and 23  found us at Hoyt Scout Reservation for our 
Annual Thanksgiving Feast,  special guests being the YLT Staff. Turkeys were 
cleaned, washed,  stuffed and hung with care from briquette fueled, foil  
wrapped tripods to cook slowly all afternoon. Pies were assembled for  baking 
and the boys all worked on their Patrol contributions. Assistant  Scoutmaster 
Bill Amidon was responsible for the victualing  and , as usual,  did not 
disappoint. Another Feast To Remember.
 
          Dec. 4th,5th and 6th  found us at Webb Mountain. A little rainy, 
but spirits were high. For the  boys-meetings and assorted service projects. 
This year the Ranger treated us to  a plethora of pre-sawn and seasoned 
wood, downed during the summer, so fires  crackled into the evening. Pat Garber 
treated the Senior Patrol and Adults to an  incredible all-venison weekend. 
Cracker barrel kabobs wrapped in bacon,  breakfast sausage, lunch chile and 
dinner pot roast, all harvested by Pat and  cooked to perfection. I doubt 
Daniel Boone had it better.
 
         Dec. 6 was Open House at  the CCD center.
 
          Dec. 11 were  elections.  Officers as follows:  SPL-Chris Puleo  
ASPL's-Tom  Valus, Jeff Liskov   Quartermasters- Mike LaMastra, Kevin  
Garber   Scribe-Joe Palamara   Historian-Tim Ladyko   Librarian-Tyler Rapillo     
 Chaplains Aide- Lohan  Semeghini   Troop Guide- John Valus   Den Chiefs- 
DJ  Marazita, Tim Ladyko   Patrol leaders-  Mike LaMastra,   Roger Manandhar, 
 Nick Rapillo.    Asst. Patrol  Leaders-  Eric Eisdorfer,  Kevin Garber,  
Chad Davis
 
 
          On Jan. 3,   2010, an Eagle Court of Honor was held for Daniel 
Sherwood Palmer in the CCD  Center.  Way to go, Dan.   Congratulations and 
Good Luck.
 
 
 
 
          That's All, Folks.  Happy New Year.
 
            Al Terry  ASM
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