Scouting 101: Troop 101 Scouts Honor Veterans

Bob Granchie

Last Thursday was a very busy day for the Scouts, especially for four of them from Struthers Middle School. These young men took part in the Veterans Day celebration held at the school to honor our past and current servicemen and women from the city of Struthers and from around the globe. Aiden Frith, Tim Grich, Cyle Barnes and Nick Mozingo proudly presented our nation’s colors and acted as the ceremony’s color guard. They did an outstanding job bearing the American flag, the Ohio State banner and the Troop’s flag in opening the holiday celebration. Of course, I helped too. I stood with them in the back and said at the right moment these inspirational words of wisdom: “Okay guys … showtime!” That was very strenuous and stressful, you know. I had to really dig deep to find those words of inspiration and encouragement. Fact is, I had to take a nap when I got home afterward.

But in all sincerity I, along with the Troop, wish to thank all our veterans for the unselfish acts of duty they perform day in and day out. And a Scout salute to all our reservists as well. All of you do an outstanding job defending not only our liberties but our very lives. God bless you all. May he always keep you in the palm of his hand.

I would specifically like to thank Aiden for taking on the lead roll and calling out the color guard’s orders. It’s not easy standing in front of 200 to 300 people, especially when more than 80 percent are your peers and bosses (teachers) whom you see each and every day. Young Mr. Frith did a very admirable job for assuming this responsibility for the very first time. Way to go, Aiden!

Later that night the Scouts had their usual Troop meeting and started to get their patrol kits together for this weekend’s campout in Sharpsville, Pa. It’s being dubbed the “Dirty Jobs” campout, because the Scouts are going to work on a farm that is complete with a wide variety of livestock. They are going to see what it takes to run and maintain a farm from the barn floor to the hay loft, from feeding the one end and shoveling what comes out the other. They will get to see and smell firsthand what it’s like on “Green Acres” (just like Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor did).

I can’t wait to hear about what happens. This is one campout I’m really sorry to miss. But as unfortunate as it is, I certainly will look forward to the reports that will come out of it. I can just imagine some of our Scouts trying to milk a cow. It makes me wonder how, way back when, some hundreds of thousands of years ago, the very first person came up with that idea. “Hey, I wonder what will happen if I yank on one of these things?” Anyway, it’ll definitely be a fascinating campout to say the least.

I hope to have a final total for the collection of cans that was held this past Saturday. Kelsey and the Troop’s Crew, at last Thursday’s meeting, had a total of 89 cans collected so far toward reaching their intended target of 300. With your help, I’m betting they went over their goal. If you did donate, the Venture Crew is very grateful and truly appreciates your contribution. The food collected will go to the Second Harvest Food Bank and help those less fortunate right here in the Valley. I understand that, although we are not collecting money, the organization can take a $1 gift and buy $18 in food. That’s pretty good use of funding if I do say so myself. I have trouble making a dollar buy me anything that would even come close to filling my big belly. Regardless of their success, though, I think the Crew did a great job of considering the needy, especially at this time of the year. Thank you girls and to all who helped collect.

This past Saturday the popcorn orders were picked up at the church so all of you who bought any of the delicious popcorn should have received your orders. I’ll have you know that I got up early Saturday to help sort and load the entire district’s orders up at Trumbull Industries on Meridian Road. What a morning that was. We had to have sorted over a thousand-some cases of different products. From Chocolate Lovers Choice to Buttery Light and everything in between. Thanks again to all of you who purchased any of the items. I thank you, but my back sure doesn’t.

I also wish to thank and acknowledge all the Scouts who helped at the Rotary’s Pancake Breakfast a couple weeks ago. Super job, gentlemen. My apologies for not being able to attend. I really miss having my Mickey Mouse pancakes made for me by the ever-so-talented Rotarian chefs. If you’ve never had a Mickey Mouse pancake try creating one yourself. It’s easy. Just pour one big cake on the griddle and add two smaller ones for ears. And there ya go … a Mickey Mouse pancake. Kids love ‘em no matter what their age. Like I always say: I have two kids and my wife has three.

That’s about it for this week. I hope you have a great week ahead. I understand it’s suppose to get colder but don’t worry, before you know it you’ll be back again cutting the grass, planting a garden and paying for this past Christmas. As always, take care and God bless.