The A Team
Other
Scout sprouting wings toward Eagle status
Supervisor Don Knabe honors Aaron Espinoza, 12, of Whittier, with a certificate of appreciation for his community service work at Schabarum Regional Park, during Concert in the Park the 2010 Family Series, at Schabarum Regional Park in Rowland Heights, Tuesday, August 10, 2010. (Correspondent Photo by James Carbone)
http://www.whittierdailynews.com/ci_15749963?source=email
ROWLAND HEIGHTS – Aaron Espinoza went to the bench for his Star Scout status. The park bench, that is.
He and a team of 16 volunteers repainted and refurbished about a dozen benches at Schabarum Regional Park in January and for his efforts was awarded the rank of Star Scout and was lauded Tuesday night by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe.
“When you give back to your community it makes you feel great,” Aaron, 12, said. “It feels good to make our public areas look better.”
He organized the service project with the help of his parents, Maria and Tony Espinoza, to receive his Star Scout ranking and be on a accelerated path toward his ultimate goal: Eagle Scout.
His 16 helpers consisted of parents and boys from his troop, which meets Monday nights at Faith Lutheran Church in Whittier.
Revamping the benches took participants seven hours. The paint and primer for the project was supplied by the park, while the boys brought scrapers and brushes.
Knabe presented Aaron and four other boys with a certificate for their hard work at the opening ceremony of Schabarum Regional Park’s Summer Concert Series.
“The Scouts have been a major part of the overall improvement of Schabarum Park,” Knabe said. “These young men were able to successfully rally over 100 volunteers to help with the projects, and I couldn’t be more thankful for their service and dedication.”
Aaron used the opportunity to thank Knabe for paying for buses that took Boy Scouts to the Puente Hills Skyline Trail, a 20-mile hike through La Habra Heights and surrounding areas. Aaron has completed the hike twice over the past year.
Aaron has been in Boy Scouts since age 6 and is working hard to attain his goal of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting, before he turns 14. More important to the eighth-grader at Rancho Starbuck Intermediate, he wants to become an Eagle Scout during President Barack Obama’s first term.
“Obama is a hero to me,” Aaron said. “He’s the United States’ first black president, and he’s a very intelligent man and great speaker. Whatever he wants, he goes and gets it.”
Aaron is on track to receive his Eagle Scout rank within a year, just in time for his birthday and the end of Obama’s first term.
His Whittier Regional Troop 54 leader, Lonnie Wold, is proud of all Aaron has accomplished.
“Aaron is a very good-natured young man,” Wold said. “He has received a great honor, and I feel very proud of him.”
Boy Scout
Whittier-area Boy Scouts Attending Centennial Jamboree
Whittier-area Boy Scouts attending centennial jamboree
By Sandra T. Molina Staff Writer
Posted: 07/26/2010 01:43:51 PM PDT
WHITTIER – About 80 Whittier-area Boys Scouts are participating this week and next in the Scouts’ 100th Anniversary Jamboree.
They are part of more than 38,000 Boy Scouts and 3,700 adult leaders camping at Fort A.P. Hill in Caroline County, Va.
They will spend 10 days participating in activities ranging from archery to rappelling.
A major highlight of this year’s jamboree is the giant 100th Anniversary Arena Show on Saturday, celebrating the Boy Scouts of America’s centennial since its founding in 1910.
“It’s a great experience for these young men,” said Scout Master Ricky Gennawey, 58, of Whittier, as they prepared to leave Thursday. “Hopefully they’ll learn self-responsibility.”
He said the troops spent the past two years conducting fundraisers to cover the cost of the trip, which also includes stops in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
These stops will include historical sights at each city.
“I’m looking forward to seeing all the historical sights, especially the Lincoln Memorial,” said David Corona, 12, of Montebello.
“It’s such a great opportunity for him,” said his mom, Janice Corona.
She said Scouting, as a whole, has already given her son great opportunities.
“I’ve seen him become more confident and grow up to be more responsible,” Janice Corona said.
“It’s a trip of a lifetime,” said Ann Marie Huerta, mom of Erik Huerta, 12, of Whittier.
Her son, who been began as a Cub Scout at age 7, was looking forward to the trip.
“I’m really excited about it,” Erik Huerta said.
An experienced Scout, Adam Clausen, 17, of Whittier, knows what will be in store for the first-timers.
“There’s a taste of everything from hiking to archery to a whole lot of other activities to do at the Jamboree,” he said.
Clausen, who went to a Jamboree five years ago, advised those Scouts new to the experience to enjoy it.
“I hope they do as much as they can,” he said. “It’s an adventure.”
sandra.molina@sgvn.com 562-698-0955, ext. 3029
Source: Whittier-area Boy Scouts attending centennial jamboree – Whittier Daily News
Other
Scout Troop 54 Toy Drive: 0ver 500 toys delivered!
from Mr. Gennawey…..
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you each and everyone: To all the Scouts and families who took the time to bring and special toy to the troop Christmas Party. Each and every toy was a special blessing to a child who may have not received a toy this past Christmas. I want to especially Thank the following troop members who took the time on Sunday to help. Your time and efforts were a blessing to each family and child. Each and everyone worked hard and showed what Scouting is all about. You were truly servant of the Lord on this special day. Roberto, Kathyrn and Mrs. Salazar Trent Sanchez Dylan and Mr. Neel Nicholas Gee Joseph, Jacob and Mr. Encinas Kristian Lozano Isaac, Michael and Mr. / Mrs. Vermilye Janine, Christopher and Mr. / Mrs. Gennawey Faith Lutheran added the below article to their church bulletin and there was a special article in the Whittier Daily News. (see the link below) God’s Blessings Mr. Gennawey This is what was written in the church bulletin:
WHAT A BLESSING!!! – With the combined efforts of our school children’s Chapel offerings, individual donations,
Scout Troop 54, and Thrivent funds, over 500 toys were available for the hundreds of children on campus last
Sunday. In addition, 148 bags of food (beans, spaghetti & sauce, canned fruit & veggies, rice, broth, & peanut butter)
were distributed through the generous donation of Della Webster’s employer! The expressions of joy and
gratitude are unforgettable, and precious memories for each of our volunteers. The event ran like clockwork, thanks
to over 30 volunteers from church, school, and the Boy Scouts, headed by Team Leaders Lauren Aravelo (Registration),
Rick Erven (Program), Anne Blaikie (Toys), & Bruce Mattson (Parking). As expected this year, the number of
attendees increased, yet God provided just enough toys! (We had less than 40 remaining.) We registered 178 families
and 448 children. Just think – over 700 people came through our campus! Well done, good and faithful servants ! ! ! !
THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND DONATIONS!!!!!
Read newspaper article, Whittier Daily News: