Darien Lake Scouting Days - June 11 to July 1

Scouting families and friends can take advantage of great savings over the gate price at Darien Lake during these special Scout Days. Tickets may be purchased at the Batavia or Lockport Scout Shop after April 27 or online from Darien Lake.

Board poistion available for a scout

We will be creating a position on the Council’s executive board which will be manned by a scout. We want the boys represented on the board, and who better than a scout – one of our “customers” - to offer insight on what we are doing or what we could be doing for our scouts?

This position will be available to an active scout regardless of rank (he does not have to be an Eagle) who will be a high school senior during the 2015-2016 school year. His duties will run from July 2015 to June 2016.

The board typically meets 6 to 8 times a year on the fourth Tuesday at 7:00 PM at the Batavia service center. On the off month, the much smaller executive committee, which he will not be a part of, meets in place of the full board. We typically have August off for summer break, and this year we will be having our first ever board retreat at Camp Sam Wood on July 18^th and 19^th at which board members will receive training, work on strategic planning and conduct a service project. Beyond those meetings and get-togethers, the scout might find himself interested in helping out with any of our various committees (finance, membership, properties, etc.).

This is an excellent opportunity for the scout who will be selected…it will give him experience on an executive board at relatively early age; it will look good on his college application and professional resume; and, most importantly, it will give him the chance to give back to an organization – the BSA -- that has hopefully contributed a great deal to who he is.

We will be accepting applications until June 14^th from which we will select one scout. Interested parties should send a letter via email to Scout Executive Jim McMullen (jmcmulle@bsamail.org) and Council President Bob Confer (bob@conferplastics.com). In that letter, please give us a brief bio and a rundown on your scouting history, tell us why you are interested in the board position and please describe how active you currently are – and will be -- in Scouting.

A nice history about the Dittmer family and Camp Dittmer

For those who would like a nice historical perspective on Camp Dittmer, the Dittmer family, and more, check out this webpage at "Find a Grave" about Arthur Dittmer. It looks at his professional career and his contributions to our Council. It's an interesting read:

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=132476877

BoyPower Dinner

Youth Protection Training

We recently received an update about the status of Youth Protection Training in Northeast Region 3. As you know, EVERYONE involved in Scouting should be trained. Of the 10 councils in the region, we are closest to that requirement, coming in at 98% compliance. As for the other 9 councils 3 are in the 90s, 5 are in the 80s, and 1 is in the 70s.

Kudos to our team who ensure our compliance -- our office staff, the district execs, the district chairs, and unit leaders.

Our goal for the next year is to get to 100% compliance and be one of the handful of councils across the nation to achieve that. It's a good goal to have and it's the right thing to do: Youth Protection is not only required...but it's paramount to running a good and safe program!

Buffalo Bisons Scout Night - May 29

The Buffalo Bisons invite your pack, troop, crew or post to Coca-Cola Field for a game vs the Rochester Red Wings, Scout Parade, and post-game campout. Tickets may be purchased by individual families or for your whole group with this reservation form which can be found here:

http://itcbsa.org/Joomla/images/Forms/2015/2015BisonsBoyScoutNight.pdf

Cub Scout materials available

Cub Scout Leaders and families - we are pleased to announce that the new Cub Scout program handbooks are here at our Batavia and Lockport Scout Shops.

We have the newest Cub Scout Handbooks, Den Leader Handbooks and Pack Leader Guide in stock for you. If you're making a group purchase please call ahead and we'll have things ready to go!

University of Scouting

University of Scouting is for all Pack, Troop, Crew and Post Leaders, Parents, and Youth

May 9 - University of Scouting @ GCC, Batavia - 8:00am-4:00pm

Join us for a full day of learning that will give you the confidence and skills to develop an exciting program that will  thrive and grow!

The schedule consists of eight periods with tracks for Pack Leaders, Troop Leaders, Venture and Explorer Leaders, Den Chiefs, Boy Scouts, and Webelos parents .

Course selections are designed around specific leadership roles, including details about the new Cub Scout Program changes and Troop Leader Indoor Specific (Troop Operations & Meeting Planning). You'll also find helpful sessions on program planning, recruitment, retention, and a variety of other valuable topics.

You can decide to take the entire leadership track for your Scouting role or you can mix and match sessions to best meet your needs.

Please review the course selections and use the registration form included in the information packet (http://itcbsa.org/Joomla/images/Forms/2015/2015UniversityofScoutingRegistrationPacket.pdf) to pre-register by May 1 to ensure that we have adequate materials for all sessions. Because of the detailed nature of the course selections, online registration is not available for the University of Scouting

2015 Tiger Prowl at Sam Wood

Distinguished Citizens announced

We are excited to announce the names of our Distinguished Citizens who will be honored at our 40th annual BoyPower Dinner that will be held on Thursday, May 28th.

They are...

Genesee County: John Riter of Merrill Lynch

Livingston County: Rick French of Pack, Paddle & Ski

Niagara County: Jim & Margo Sue Bittner of Singer Farms and Marjim Manor

Orleans County: Bob & Eric bRown of Orchard Dale Fruit Farm

Wyoming County: John Noble of Synergy, Noblehurst Farms


Registration information for this special event can be downloaded here:

http://itcbsa.org/Joomla/images/Forms/2015/2015BoypowerDinnerInvitationReservationFlier.pdf

DeMare to compete in Mr. Batavia contest

Eleven high school students will try to win the coveted Mr. Batavia title on April 17th at Batavia High School.

Beyond the celebrity status of earning a Mr. Batavia sash, the winning boy will also get the evening’s proceeds for a charity of his choice.

Among the participants is Ben Demare who, if he wins, will donate the proceeds to our National Youth Leadership Training program.

We wish him the best of luck!

Here is the report at the Daily News...

http://www.thedailynewsonline.com/news/article_a5f97a3a-df2c-11e4-a0b2-6fc4d7eed0ed.html

SPRING CAMPOREE: APRIL 24th to 26th

Our Spring Camporee will take place April 24th to 26th at Letchworth State Park and it will be a Civil War-themed event. Information and registration can be found on our website:

http://itcbsa.org/Joomla/index.php/activities/council-wide/1030-2015-spring-camporee

Violet Dittmer has passed away

Everyone is well aware of everything that all members of the Dittmer extended family did for our council. Violet Dittmer was one of those tireless volunteers who gave her time and money to Scouting to help develop our awesome Boy Scout camp. She passed away 2 days ago at the age of 101. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family...we are thankful for everything that she did for Scouting in a life well-lived.

Violet N. Dittmer entered into rest March 30, 2015. Born February 2, 1914 in Lockport, she was the daughter of Clarence and Effie (Shaw) Naylor.

She was predeceased by husband Frank W. Dittmer in 1988. Beloved mother of Robert (late June) Dittmer. Cherished grandmother of Robert Dittmer Jr., and Frank (Debra) Dittmer. Cherished great grandmother of Dustin, Brent Dittmer, Jessica, Jacob and Malina Dittmer.

Violet was active in scouting in the 1950's and 1960's. She was the past president of B. Leon Dolan Post 410 Auxiliary and was active with the Second Presbyterian Church.

There will be no prior visitation. Graveside Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday at Cold Springs Cemetery. Arrangement by the Taylor & Reynolds Funeral Home, Transit and Niagara Streets. Memorials to Niagara Hospice would be appreciated by the family.

BSA'S Northeast representatives attend board meeting

BSA Northeast Region representative Mike Meyers presented the 2015 BSA Charter to Council President Bob Confer and Council Commissioner Alice Barrett at the March 24 Executive Board meeting. Iroquois Trail Council earned Gold Status on the 2014 Journey to Excellence, which placed us in the top 20% of councils across the nation!

The main topic of discussion that night was how we can provide better service to help our outstanding volunteer leaders bring the Scouting program to life for our local Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Explorers.

Thank you for all that you do week after week to enrich the lives of our local Scout families!

Towpath District Pinewood Derby

Iroquois Trail Council
Towpath District
Pinewood Derby 2015

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2015
Place: Emmanuel United Methodist Church
75 East Avenue, Lockport, NY

Time: Doors Open at 10:30 am
Final inspection of Cars 10:30 – 11:15 am
Races to start at 11:30 am

You are invited to come and see one of Cub Scouts most exciting events!! We will have 14 Cub Packs represented!

• Kitchen will be open
• Basket Raffle
• Special Raffle for a 5 piece Picnic Table Set.

If you have any questions regarding this event
please contact Beth Arajs @ 716-628-4730 or
Email to barajs@verizon.net

All participating Packs are asked to donate a basket or Gift Certificate valued at $15 for the basket raffle to help off set the cost of trophies.Thank you.

District Pinewood Rules and Flyers were distributed at the Roundtable Meeting.

A great friend of the council has passed away

Last week, a very good friend of the council was laid to rest...


The Very Reverend Robert Benjamin Moss, of Medina, NY, passed away peacefully on March 14th, 2015 at the Martin-Linsin residence of Hospice of Orleans in Albion. Father Ben was born on July 20th, 1926, one of seven children, to Robert Spurgeon Moss and Edna May Lewis of Horseheads, NY.

After graduating high school at age 15, Ben went on to college at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY where he met his lovely wife of 64 years, Judith Lawrence Howard. He and Judith lived in New York City where he attended General Theological Seminary. He was ordained a deacon of the Episcopal Church in 1956. He led congregations in Port Leyden, NY and Silver Creek, NY before becoming the Priest at St. John's Episcopal Church in Medina, NY in 1965. He was the priest at St. John's for 21 years before retiring in 1986. During that time, Ben was very active in the community, becoming a charter member of the Medina Area Association of Churches (MAAC), a Kiwanis Club member, a Rotarian, a Theater of Performing Arts (TOPA) actor and supporting member and served for many years as the Medina Police Chaplain.

In 1986, he retired from the full time priesthood and he and Judy settled in Lockport, NY. Even in retirement, Ben was an active member of the clergy in the Diocese of Western New York. He performed many roles in the church including interim pastor, pastoral care and supply priest duties for Episcopal churches in Buffalo, Alden and Lockport, NY for 20 years of part-time priestly work. During his time in the work of his Lord, he shepherded the lives of hundreds and he touched the lives of thousands. During his entire adult life, Ben was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, serving as Chaplain for Camp Dittmer in Central New York and was awarded the Silver Beaver for his long standing service. He eventually moved back to Medina in 2007 and has been residing three blocks from his original home in town since then.

He is survived by his wife, Judith of Medina, NY; all four of his children, Melinda (Scott) Abriss of East Northport, NY, Robert Moss and Paul Lee of NYC, NY, Katherine (Raymond) Parker of Valders, WI and Lawrence (Leslie) Moss of Medina, NY. Also surviving him are four grandchildren, Raymond IV and Rory Parker and Rachel and Jessica Abriss. He is also survived by his sister, Hazel (Howard) Baldwin of Englewood, FL and several nieces and nephews.

His family will receive friends on Friday, March 20th, 2015 at the Cooper Funeral Home, 215 West Center Street in Medina, NY from (4-7 PM) and Saturday (9-11AM) at Christ Episcopal Church, 7145 Fieldcrest Drive, Lockport, NY, where he will Lie in State prior to Memorial Eucharist and Burial at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Ben to Christ Episcopal Church or The Martin-Linsin Residence/Hospice of Orleans in Albion, NY.

BoyPower Dinner 2015

Albion celebrates 90th birthday of Sidari

This past weekend, the Albion community celebrated the 90th birthday of Frank Sidari, a World War II veteran and a former scoutmaster of Troop 164 who served the troop for more than 30 years.

Here's the write-up at Orleans Hub:

http://www.orleanshub.com/news2015/Big-fanfare-for-Frank-Sidari-on-his-90th-birthday.htm

Baschnagel profiled in Buffalo News

One of the Iroquois Trail Council's longest-serving Scouters is Joe Baschnagel, who has served Cambria area scouts for decades. One of Joe's talents is playing the bagpipes. Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, the Buffalo News offers this profile of the bagpiper, with a look at how he was kept with us thanks to a heart transplant at the Cleveland Clinic. Great article about a great guy.

Here's the article:

http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/all-niagara-county/baschnagels-heart-is-his-bagpipes-20150315

Spring event at Iroquois Wildlife Refuge

The folks at the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge are hosting a spring open house on April 25th and we were thinking that it might make for an excellent day out with your pack or troop. After visiting the open house, you could hike any number of excellent trails at the "Alabama Swamps", such as the popular Swallow Hollow with its boardwalk.