A whopping 61+ members were in attendance at the Noreast District Appreciation dinner and meeting held on Wednesday, August 19 in Stephenville. The event was spearheaded by Les Zimmerman, District Executive, and was held to applaud and congratulate the scouting volunteers in the district for their commitment and support to scouting. It was also an opportunity for everyone to meet and become acquainted with the committee members who represent the district to the Texas Trails Council.
After dining on a grilled hamburger supper, a short presentation was given by members of the District Committee to outline plans for the direction of the district, to provide the organization for this direction, and to offer information and support to the volunteers who are on the front lines of scouting.
Pat Demetruk, District Chairman, along with Program Chairman, Jeff Shelton, provided details as to the resources on hand for all volunteers along with a breakdown of district board members who will assist by providing guidance and support. Members were also advised of the decision to split the District Commissioner position into two distinct sections. Jeff Justice was introduced as the new District Commissioner for the scouting division and Lora Lewis will step in to serve as the District Commissioner for the cubs. This was done to better serve the needs of the units. It is the intention of the district committee to improve and extend scouting at the local level by bringing forth the tools needed to do so, and encouraging everyone to participate and take an active role to advance the efforts of the district.
To begin these efforts and reiterate the commitment to provide information to all, the meeting was organized with various tables stationed around the room providing handouts and examples of the resources that are available to members. An inspiring and informative presentation was given by Leslie-Rahye Strickland to start off the campaign for popcorn sales. She provided information and ideas to energize and invigorate a program that can provide financial means for scouts and units. Members were officially introduced to the new district website and were encouraged to log-on and become registered users. Ruby Sturmer, new webmaster for the district, gave a brief overview of the features of the site and the potential it has for distribution and consolidation of information. Information was distributed to help with submission of event details and photos to be included on the website.
The Noreast District members were happy to welcome the new Area Director from National, Mr. Rob Hofmann. He presented an overview of the Wood Badge experience and encouraged everyone to be a part of the advanced leadership training program. Adding their support as representatives from Texas Trails Council were Council Board members Larry Smith, Pat Leatherwood, and Blair Haynie.
Thanks to everyone who planned and worked to make the event such a success and especially to Pat Leatherwood & the guys who slaved over the grill to produce the wonderful burgers that everyone enjoyed & to the countless number who cleaned everything up afterward so we could “leave no trace”. Thanks to Gifford TV & Electronics in Stephenville for providing the big screen TV for the presentation and for always being there to support scouting in a big way. Thanks also to the Granny Clark Restaurant in Dublin, HEB food store, F&F Flooring, Lori Lewis, Pat Dematruk, Denise Stewart, and Les Zimmerman for the food and program materials. (Event Photos - thanks J. Justice.)
