Another Different Perspective On Mardi Gras

SHOW ME YOUR ANKLES! !!!!!!!??????

Beads aren't something you are used to seeing being thrown from one of these armored vehicles... but as one officer told his soldiers this is the only time you will be required to have a good time in a war zone so...... ENJOY IT!

God Bless Our Troops; who are so far away from home!




Mardi Gras In Iraq
A Mardi Gras parade was staged on February 6th, The unit responsible was the 256th Infantry Brigade, which is a Louisiana National Guard outfit now serving in Iraq. Looks like the Cajuns needed Mardi Gras there as well as in Naw Leans.
The event took place in the 1st Cavalry Division’s area of operations. The reason Anheuser-Busch is mentioned in one of the “floats” is because they sent enough beer to Iraq for everyone to have two during the Superbowl. At first, the senior staff officers over there didn’t want to take it. But a senior general overruled them. Now that's leadership. Photos by LTC Lenea Montgomery.

We Didn't Let It Rain On Our Parade

Troop 638 Provided Sunshine On A Rainy Day During The Vicksburg Mississippi Mardi Gras 2006 Parade!

Neither Rain, Cold, Strike, Nor Hurricane's Might ....Quote From The Krewe Of Pegasus...2006

The Rain and Cold Weather Didn't Dampen The Spirits Of Troop 638 And Other Mardi Gras Attendees.... Mike REALLY Enjoyed Riding On The Sparta Float! We Are So Proud Of Him!

The Boys (and even the grown ones) Loved Catching Beads And Stuff! Everyone Was WET, COLD, But ...... The had a BALL!!!!!

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reporters Notebook: The Real Mardi Gras

From FoxNews Website
by Adam Housley/FNC

The measure of Mardi Gras and the spirit of rebuilding New Orleans isn't found in the French Quarter or even on Canal Street. The mystique of Mardi Gras and the energy to rebuild comes from the thousands who pack the neutral ground on St. Charles Avenue or line the sidewalks of Napoleon.
I have come to New Orleans for Mardi Gras off and on over the last 10 years. I rode on an Endymion float just a few months before Katrina and I rode in a boat down the same route and on the same streets after the city flooded. On this trip I have noticed one thing: The crowds — and not the ones in the tourist friendly French Quarter.
The locals I know are people like the Laiches: they've been here for years, evacuated during the storm. Some made it back to dry homes. Others, like my good friend Paul, live in their second stories — the first is still gutted down to the subfloor. Sheet rock cut out three feet up the wall.
In this area of Metaire, nearly every home has a white trailer parked on what was once the front lawn, plastic pipes run into the sewer holes and pipes come from the water system. This is home for now; many say they'll likely buy the trailers off of the government once the work is done.
What strikes me as I sit here on the packed common ground watching parades pass and beads pelt the crowd below is the determination to go along with life. The attempt to make things as normal as possible.
In this case, the version of Mardi Gras you never see on TV, the crowd and enthusiasm is much larger than anyone has seen in years. Barbeques smoke the crisp air, couches, lawn chairs and tables blanket most of the avenue and sidewalks that border. Kids of all ages, some adults included, scale ladders that stretch four rows deep. On top of the ladders, wooded boxes, with seatbelts. The boxes are bolted to the top step of the ladder, you know, the one that says: This is not a step.
In actuality it is a step. The youngest generation is perched here to see a tradition overcome so much adversity. They are learning a valuable lesson that will keep this city vibrant for years to come. This step is as small as a wooden box, bolted to a ladder, spread along a street, with kids strapped in.
If you told me a few months ago while experiencing Katrina that I would see this now, in this place, I would have never thought it possible.

Vicksburg Mardi Gras Parade Information

Tomorrow Morning (2/25) the Troop 638 float will be in the parking lot beside the Education Center at the corner of Belmont and Cherry Streets by 8AM. Look for the maroon and white Porter’s Chapel United Methodist Church van pulling a float that looks like a dilapidated house with a blue roof. We will put the finishing touches on the construction, decorate it and the PCUMC van, and load beads onto it. We will leave the parking lot between 11:30 and 12:30 to line up for the parade. We will be lining up on Belmont Street heading west toward Washington St. So look for us somewhere on Belmont if you are running late. The parade starts at 1PM, weather permitting. We should be able to leave any vehicles in the Education Center parking lot.

Scouts should be at the float by 10AM if possible to help decorate, claim a spot on the float, and load beads. Scouts should be dressed in class A Scout shirts or in green, gold, or purple troop tee shirts. Bring any beads that you have, but we should have plenty to throw.

We need five adults to be with the float – four to walk beside it and one to drive. So far I only have four confirmed adults that will be there. So any available parents, male or female, are also encouraged to participate. It is always a lot of fun. We can never have too many. We will have plenty of beads for everyone to throw.

The weather is a concern. The only information that I have is to listen to the local Vicksburg radio station for last minute information about the parade. Or you could call the Main Street Committee office 601-634-4527. They are the parade sponsors.

See you tomorrow. Happy Mardi Gras.
Dave

Sticks And Stones May Break My Bones And Words Can Also HURT Me!

In The End Only Kindness Matters!!!!!!!!!

We don't stop to think what our words may or may not do to those we aim them toward. Words can do as much damage to a person as a slap in the face! Words bear a burden that someone will have to carry for a lifetime. I know; I was the one with braces on my teeth in HS and I remember the names and the teasing.... Those are not pleasant, warm or fuzzy memories! They still hurt! I so wanted just to fit in but I was the one who liked to write, who liked Mozart, Shakespeare, Ballet, History, Cars, and Sports.... The boys didn't know what to think of me and neither did the girls.... So I was always the odd person out so to speak... I know how it hurts to be excluded and to be different.... So I speak from experience.... before you tease even if you think it is in good fun just remember that person who is laughing along with you maybe crying inside! Think before you speak! Everyone deserves respect.... it is their birthright from God! Read the lyrics to the following song it says it all!

Don't Laugh At Me
by Mark Wills

I'm a little boy with glasses
The one they call the geek
A little girl who never smiles
'Cause I've got braces on my teeth
And I know how it feels
To cry myself to sleep
I'm that kid on every playground
Who's always chosen last
A single teenage mother Tryin' to overcome my past
You don't have to be my friend
But is it too much to ask
Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me
I'm the cripple on the corner
You've passed me on the street
And I wouldn't be out here beggin'
If I had enough to eat
And don't think I don't notice
That our eyes never meet
I lost my wife and little boy when
Someone cross that yellow line
The day we laid them in the ground
Is the day I lost my mind
And right now I'm down to holdin' This little cardboard sign...so
Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me
I'm fat, I'm thin, I'm short, I'm tall
I'm deaf, I'm blind, hey, aren't we all
Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me

Love One Another As I First Loved You.... God!

Lessons in Caring and Respect From The Character Counts Coalition:

Respect
We all want a chance to be ourselves, make decisions, be accepted, and be treated in a polite, decent way, and have a little privacy. Respectful people give others the information they need to make decisions about their lives. Respectful people threat others with consideration. They don't stoop to violence, meanness, or rudeness. Respectful people tolerate other people's beliefs and accepts individual differences without prejudice. They don't insist that everyone be like them. Respectful people treat others as they themselves would like to be treated. They value others, they build up others. They help other people value themselves.

Respect Do's:
1) Be polite
2) Be accepting of differences
3) judge people on their merits only

Repect Don'ts:
1) Don't insult, abuse, hurt, put down, mistreat or harass others
2)Don't make unwanted comments about a person's appearance
3)Don't take advantage of others
4)Don't withhold information needed by others to make decisions

Caring
A caring person is a bright spot in a sometimes grim world. We have moved from a society of social visits to a society dominated by the VCR and video games. It is as if we are so overwhelmed by the needs of the world that we have retreated into isolation. Ethical people care. Caring is at the heart of an ethical person's character. It is the guideline for their interactions with others. A caring person is considerate, kind, compassionate, and generous. A caring person always takes into account how decisions, words, and actions are likely to affect others. Genuine ethical maturity is the ability to think and care about someone besides oneself. Selfish motives and selfish actions are childish. Caring people have progressed from selfish to selfless. The Golden Rule is the general principle of caring and concern. It encourages us to maximize the good and minimize the harm done to others. Stakeholders are the people, groups, or institutions who will be affected by a decision, word, or action. A person wants to be ethical has a moral obligation to think about every possible effect his or her decisions etc will have on all stakeholders. And all stakeholders who are impacted by a decision have a moral claim on the decisionmaker. Caring requires us to be as considerate, kind, compassionate as our duties and responsibilities permit. But sometimes even love has to be tough. Sometimes really caring requires difficult decisions that are unpleasant for a stakeholder initially but are best for him or her in the long run. Sometimes responsibility seems to conflict with caring ...

Caring Do's
1) show kindness, caring, generosity, and compassion
2) Live by the Golden Rule
3) Think about how every decision, word, and action will impact all stakeholders

Caring Don'ts
1) Don't be selfish
2)Don't be mean
3) Don't be cruel
4)Don't be insensitive to others feelings


The Golden Rule: Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You!!!!!!

Mardi Gras In Perspective

The Krewe Of Nemesis Parade debuted in St Bernard Parish on
Sunday ..... It was the only parade for this Parish still reeling from the
effects of Katrina! The debris on the side of the parade route serves as
a reminder of what has happened there and all that remains to be done there
to recover! Our hearts, prayers, and thoughts are with ALL the victims of
Katrina!

Mardi Gras Has Gone To The DAWGS!

Barkus --- The Wizard Of Paws Parade kicked off Sunday in New Orleans! This parade is just for dogs and the people who love them!

My Other Blog Site

www.alpha150.blogspot.com

Alpha150 was my first web-blog and I started it when our nephew Jonathan went to Iraq. As a way to convey information to other 150th families. I wanted to share with them what he was seeing and doing over there. It soon became a forum for me to post poetry, music lyrics, and stories that I found inspirational. Now I am mainly posting dieting, nutritional, and exercising information! But it is a FUN site to visit and who knows you all might find something of use there! Just thought I would share the address with you!

CHARACTER COUNTS

Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country
Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements
Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices
Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly
Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need
Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment

WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!

The Pledge
By Red Skeleton

I've been listening to boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?"

I -- me, an individual, a committee of one.

Pledge -- dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity.

Allegiance -- my love and my devotion.

To the flag -- our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!

United -- that means that we have all come together.

States -- individual communities that have united into 50 great states. Fifty individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country.

And to the republic -- a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands, one nation under God -- one nation, meaning "so blessed by God"

Indivisible -- incapable of being divided.

With liberty -- which is freedom -- the right of power to live one's own life without threats, fear or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice -- the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.

For all -- which means, it's as much your country as it is mine.

Now please join me in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance:

I pledge Allegiance to the flag
Of the United States Of America
And to the republic for which it stands
One Nation
Under God; Indivisible
With Liberty and Justice For All!

For All! God Bless America!

What Is Mardi Gras And Where Did It Come From

Mardi Gras came to New Orleans through its French heritage in 1699. Early explorers celebrated this French Holiday on the banks of the Mississippi River. Throughout the years, Orleanians have added to the celebration by establishing krewes (organizations) which host parades and balls. Carnival quickly became an exciting holiday for both children and adults.
Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" and of course is celebrated on that day of the week. The date can fall between February 3 and March 9 depending on the Lunar calendar, used by the Catholic Church to determine the date of Easter. Mardi Gras is always 47 days before Easter Sunday.
The official colors for Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. These colors were chosen in 1872 by the King of Carnival, Rex. He chose these colors to stand for the following:
Purple represents justice
green stands for faith
gold stands for power
The Mardi Gras season begins on January 6 and continues until Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. On the Christian calendar, the twelfth day after Christmas is known as "Epiphany", "Twelfth Night", or "Kings Day." It is the day the gift-bearing Magi visited the baby Jesus, and is celebrated with its own unique rituals.

Dog Care Merit Badge Links

For requirements follow this link: http://www.usscouts.org/mb/framesindex.html

#1a http://views.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech2498669.stm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOG

#2 http://www.takingthelead.co.uk/2/health/andtomy.html

#5 www.doggybegood.com
www.puppysmarts.com/obedience.html

#9 http://www.animallaw.info/statues/stusmsst-21-19-9.html

other helpful links:

http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/dogs/

www.akc.org

Basenji Links (The ULTIMATE Dog)

www.basenjirescue.org
www.basenji.org
www.basenji.net
www.geocities.com/heartland/Pines/9467/thebasenji.html
(this link has a doggie teeth maint. article in it)

Weather Update For NOrleans And Important Uniform Changes

Bring your ponchos and extra socks, shoes, and clothes... It is looking more and more like rain and colder temps for the weekend!

Important Changes This Weekend:
Wear Troop Class A T-Shirt under your BSA Class A shirt when you meet at Porters Chapel. We will then hang the BSA Class A shirts in the trailer so we can wear them Saturday. We will wear Troop T-Shirts Sunday as well. It is starting to look like rain this weekend, so bring extra socks and ponchos.


Sparta has a banner that they would like to have at the beginning of the parade. Since all the parades are in line, this will let the people know where Sparta starts and the other one ends. It will take two scouts (and an adult leader or parent to go with them) to carry the banner.

Of course, this means you will miss the other parades, but I am willing to share any throws I catch with whoever does this, and I'm sure, as a Troop, we will all pitch in to make sure you get at least one of everything (cup, doubloon, pendant etc.) and you should end up with as much stuff (if not more) than the other guys. And as part of the parade, you will, of course be there when they unload the floats.

Anyone interested in being in the parade? Let me know ASAP!

Also -

Dave said that if we want to help unload the floats we are welcome to keep any thing we find on the floor. Some Krewe members will have bags of stuff to take off, but if we find loose beads or anything lying on the floor, it's ours (Mike, Noah and I got a lot of stuff Sunday off the floats from the Jupiter parade).

The parade ends at Tchoupitoulas and St. Joseph (behind the Holiday Inn Select. If we park south of the parade route we can drive up Tchoupitoulas toward the Holiday Inn and, if parking is difficult or traffic bad, drop the boys off with a couple leaders and they can walk to where the floats are unloading (maybe a block or two). Anyone who was with us at Orpheus last year remembers what a float unloading looks like; just walking by some of us got whole bags of beads that riders did not want to carry home.

The parade should be there by 3:30, and if unloading takes a while we may just do the Beads By The Dozen, dinner and then the Caesar parade in Metaire, rather than trying to get to Covington by 7 pm.

Happy Valentines Day Boys From Mrs Tracye

Sonnet 116
by William Shakespeare

Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments.
Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not
Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

Mardi Gras Information From Various Emails Over The Last Few Days!

The troop will charge each person going to Mardi Gras this weekend $30. This is expected to cover lodging and transportation. It is NOT intended to cover food. Each person should bring his food for Friday evening. (We will be racing to get to the Friday evening parade and won’t have time to stop for dinner). We will also be in a hurry or away from camp for many of the other meals during the weekend, so we are not planning to bring or set up a kitchen. Instead we are planning to stop for (fast) food for all meals. Boys should bring enough money for food for Saturday breakfast (it may be free??) Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner, and Sunday breakfast. About $20 seems reasonable. We will also likely be stopping at a bead store, where there will be a great temptation for each boy to spend anywhere from small to huge amounts of money on totally useless items. The boys also seem unable to resist spending money at each gas station we stop at. So a modest additional amount of spending money is not inappropriate.

Note: We will not be doing anything other than casually monitoring what the boys are spending money on. If your son chooses to blow his entire food money allocation on junk at the first gas station we stop at, I’d be inclined to not loan him any additional money, but rather view this as a great practical opportunity for him to learn the benefits of better money management. We assume that all you parents will let your sons know what the money is to be used for when you give it to them, and also will limit the amount of their own money they can take.
So far it looks like seven scouts and seven adults going (see attached list). The Krewe of Sparta had asked us about having the Scouts walk in the parade, carrying the Float signs. Are the boys interested in doing this? There are 8 floats, and we probably should have one adult with each scout, so maybe we can do all but the Captains float?

Here is a link to look at the rental units. http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/landopines/rentals.html

So far I figure we have ~14 people going. Here are the possibilities for cost:

Scout Rate - $5/person/night, min 20. Cost would be $200.00 for both nights. ($14/person)
Regular rate - $28/campsite and $6 for each additional person over 4. We'd need two campsites (2 x $28), and we'd have six extra people ($36) so $28 + $28 + $36 = $92/night or $184.00 for both nights. ($13/person)
Rent two trailers for $53.00 each, pay $6.00 for the six additional people ( 53.00 rate is based on 4 people, it's $6 for additional) and have 7 people per trailer for a total of $53 + $53 + $36 = $142/night or $284 total. ($20/person)

I figure we should go with option #2, and anyone that wants to get a rental unit is on their own on the cost. Right now all the rental units are full, but they may have some people leaving tonight and they'll call me later to let me know.


Here are the details for this weekend. Some changes:

Mike is reporting to Sparta for costume etc. at 6:00am. They will then start loading the floats about 7:00am.

The Troop has been asked to help load floats. They may have breakfast for us (I don't know yet) but we can go pick up some donuts or something if they don't. While helping the Krewe load their floats it is almost certain the boys will get tips (throws, beads and stuff) and the Krewe will certainly be generous to us when they see us on the parade route. I do not know if we are riding the floats to the line-up or not, we'll see Friday morning.

We will have to get up early Saturday to help load floats. It took us one hour and 20 minutes to get from the campground to where the floats are loading Saturday, but that was around noon, and the traffic will certainly be less at 6:00am.

After the parades on St. Charles Saturday we can go to Beads By The Dozen and lunch etc., then we will go to the parade in Covington. This gives us a much shorter wait between parades (the parade in Metairie would get to us around 8:30 or 9pm, so we would have from 2pm to 8pm at least to go eat and get beads.) and gets us back to the campground a lot earlier than if we saw the parade in Metairie.

Land O Pines charges $5/camper per night, and a minimum of 20, so it will be at least $200 for the two nights, no matter how many go. We can also pay the regular rate of $28.00/night for two campsites (for 8 people), and $6/person for additional people. Whichever is cheapest depending on how many people we have.

They also have some rental trailers that hold 6 - 9 people. These cost ~$6.00 per night. I am trying to get in touch with them to see what's available and perhaps we can go that route. We definitely need a head count by tonight.
Mardi Gras Trip Schedule

Friday February 17, 2006

3:30pm Gather at Porters Chapel
4:00pm Leave Vicksburg for Mandeville
7:00pm See Krewe of Eve (Starts at 7:00)
(NOTE: If we leave any later than 4pm we will have to catch the end of the
parade because we may not be able to park near the beginning.)
9:00pm Go to Land O Pines campground (Covington La.)

Saturday February 18, 2006

5:30am Reville
6:00am Leave for 1901 Tchoupitoulas
7:00am Start loading Sparta floats. While scouts are loading floats one or two of the adults will go get donuts or something for breakfast, if not provided by Sparta.
10:00am Leave for Napoleon and St. Charles
12:30pm See Krewe of Ponchartrain, Shangri-la, Pygmalion, Pegasus and Sparta Parades (Starts at 12:00noon)
The parades will be a lot shorter than in the past. There will be a total of 44 floats and very few marching units (bands etc.).
Mike will be in the 2nd float, the one with the Eiffel Tower, on the streetcar side.

~2:30 pm Leave for Beads by the Dozen in Jefferson (~20min drive) then lunch in Jefferson (probably Southern Po-Boys again.).
~5:00pm Go to Covington.
7:00pm See Olympia Parade (Starts at 6:00) 17 Floats

Sunday February 19, 2006

7:00am Reville
8:00am Breakfast
9:00am Worship Service
10:00am Leave for Vicksburg
1:00pm Arrive in Vicksburg

Cost is $30.00. This covers gas, lodging, campground fees and tolls. You should bring dinner Friday, or bring money to buy your dinner. There will be several places to eat along the parade route Friday night, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting something to eat if you don't bring your dinner. Saturday we will bring ice chests with ice so you can bring drinks (in bottles with your name on them) for the day Saturday.

Uniform is class A for Friday and Sunday, class B (troop shirts) Saturday.

Bring a book bag or day pack for use at the parades. It will provide a place for keeping throws, snacks, poncho etc.

New Orleans Weather Forecast via the Weather Channel:

Friday Forecast From The Weather Channel

Day
Night
Partly Cloudy
High77°FPrecip20%
Wind:
SSE 8 mph
Max. Humidity:
65%
UV Index:
5 Moderate
Sunrise:
6:38 AM CT
Avg. High:
66°F
Record High:
79°F (1967)
Mostly Cloudy
Overnight Low58°FPrecip20%
Wind:
SSE 6 mph
Max. Humidity:
74%

Sunset:
5:51 PM CT
Avg. Low:
46°F
Record Low:
28°F (1980)

Saturday's Forecast From The Weather Channel

Day
Night
T-Showers
High70°FPrecip40%
Wind:
S 12 mph
Max. Humidity:
67%
UV Index:
4 Moderate
Sunrise:
6:37 AM CT
Avg. High:
66°F
Record High:
81°F (1956)
Showers
Overnight Low48°FPrecip60%
Wind:
NE 9 mph
Max. Humidity:
71%

Sunset:
5:52 PM CT
Avg. Low:
47°F
Record Low:
29°F (1958)

Sunday's Forecast From The Weather Channel

Day
Night
Showers
High57°FPrecip30%
Wind:
NE 12 mph
Max. Humidity:
64%
UV Index:
4 Moderate
Sunrise:
6:36 AM CT
Avg. High:
66°F
Record High:
81°F (1956)
Showers
Overnight Low52°FPrecip60%
Wind:
E 7 mph
Max. Humidity:
72%

Sunset:
5:52 PM CT
Avg. Low:
47°F
Record Low:
31°F (1978)

PS: RICHARD HAS MAPS CONTACT HIM IF YOU NEED ANY I AM TRYING TO GET THESE MAPS WHERE I CAN UPLOAD THEM HERE BUT SO FAR NO LUCK!

Links for American Heritage Merit Badge

link to merit badge requirements: http://www.usscouts.org/mb/framesindex.html

#1 http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/declaration.html

#2a www.whitehouse.gov/kids/history

#3b http://www.theideadoor.com/July4th.html

#4b http://www.nps.gov/vick/vcmpgn/siege.html
http://www.civilwarhome.com/siegeofvicksburg.html

#4c http://www.vickbnb.com/history.html

Float Change Of Plans... NO CONSTRUCTION THIS WEEKEND!

As far as I now know there will be NO float construction this weekend... all leaders and scouts will be in New Orleans... So unless you are called by Mr Jeff and told differently there will be NO float construction this weekend!

Links For Citizenship In The Nation Merit Badge

Citizenship In The Nation Requirements: www.usscouts.org/mb/mb003.html

#1 http://cdis.missouri.edu/previews/16471/lesson01.html
http://www.constitution.org/cmt/jswise/citizenship.html

#2c http://www.nps.gov/applications/parksearch/state.cfm?st=dc
http://dc.about.com/od/monuments/?terms=city+mall+arlington

#3 www.wlbt.com
www.cnn.com
www.msnbc.com
www.foxnews.com

#4 a http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/declaration.html
b http://www.school-house-rock.com/prea.html
http://www.caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data/constitution/preamble
c http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/constitution.html
http://www.usconstitution.net
d http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/bill_of_rights.html
http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/funddocs/billeng.html
e http://www.house.gov/house/constitution/amend.html
http://www.usconstitution.net/constam.html

#5 http://www.crfc.org/pdf/preamble.pdf#search=six%20functions%20of%20government%20in%20the%20preamble
(look on page 4 of document)

#6 www.americanrhetoric.com

#7 http://bensguide.gpo.gov/6-8/government/branches.html
http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/politics/politics.html
http://www.c-span.org/classroom/govt/3branches.asp

#8 http://www.aidstories.com/states/MS.html
http://www.congress.org

NOTICE: Important Float News

Everyone, parents and scouts, who is NOT going to New Orleans for Mardis Gras please contact Mr Nathan or Mr Jeff so we can get together and finish up our float for the Vicksburg Mardis Gras Parade next weekend February 18. After we find out who all will be here we can figure out when we need to meet to work on the float! Thanks for helping us out!

Updated February Calendar! Update Your Calendars!

Saturday, Feb 11th – Build Mardi Gras Float – Mike Rasch’s house. Adults should meet at 10AM. Bring wood construction tools. Scouts (sign painters) should show up at 1PM and wear old clothes. Scouts who participate this Saturday will get first pick on their locations on the float. The following is from Jeff Covington (float designer): “Ok troops , this weekend we finish the build on our float. We will start at 10:am and meet at Mike Rasch's house. Scouts should wear old yet warm clothing. We will be painting as well as other things. Something you can do at home (where it is warm) is make a large lettered sign for display on the float. Letters must be large and painted with a bright color or a heavy black for the letters. Cardboard is a excellent material to make this out of. Posterboard is good too. Signs should say something positive such as "We survived Katrina".... or funny like " slightly damaged house for sale", "like new car, will make great aquarium ornament".” Does anyone have an old refrigator box that they could donate for our use?

Thursday Feb 16th – Troop committee / Patrol Leaders Council meeting 7PM church basement.

Friday – Sunday Feb 17-19th – Mardi Gras Trip. Detailed announcement coming in a later E-mail.

Saturday Feb 25th – Vicksburg Mardi Gras Parade. The parade is at 1PM. We will meet at 10AM downtown somewhere near the start of the parade to decorate the float. Final details coming later.

Here Are Some Planned Events For 2006/ Mark Your Calendars!

March 2006
9th – Thursday, 7-8PM, PCUMC - Committee / PLC meeting (POC Dave King)
13-17th – Spring break – Plans not yet finalized. Potential big trips over some portion of this week include: Cumberland Caverns (sleep in a cave), Gulf Wars (Renaissance Fair), and Katrina relief (help Habitat for Humanity construct homes).
31st – First half of summer camp fees due.

April 2006
7-9th – District spring camporee or local camping trip.
13th – Thursday, 7-8PM, PCUMC - Committee / PLC meeting (POC Dave King)
28th – Second half of summer camp fees due.

May 2006
Local camping trip
18th – Thursday, 7-8PM, PCUMC - Committee / PLC meeting (POC Dave King)
20th – Pool party at Mr. Rasch’s house. (POC Mike Rasch)

June 2006
First weekend – Plans not yet finalized. Potential big trips include: a 2-3 day canoe trip on the Buffalo River in Arkansas or a beach trip to Pensacola that would also include some of the following: a Blue Angels air show, tubing on a river, exploring Ft. Pickens, Pensacola Naval Air Museum, a night on the USS Alabama in Mobile, a deep-sea fishing trip.
2-4th – OA pre-camp ordeal
15th – Thursday, 7-8PM, PCUMC - Committee / PLC meeting (POC Dave King)

July 2006
1-9th - Summer Camp
13th – Thursday, 7-8PM, PCUMC - Committee / PLC meeting (POC Dave King)

Happy Mardis Gras Ya'll!

Our fearless leader Mike Rausch will be riding a float in this years Mardis Gras parade in New Orleans! According to Richard"Mike is riding in the Sparta Parade that Saturday, and according to the schedule (see http://www.mardigrasguide.com./) Sparta will be the fourth parade of the six parading that day (don't have exact route yet)." So if you have questions please forward them to Mike or Richard!

And as soon as I get more information on the parades there and here in Vicksburg I will pass it along to you! Any questions about the Vicksburg parade or float contact Jeff Covington or Richard!

Let The Good Times Roll!

Be Prepared!!!!!

Our scouts are finishing up the requirements for their

Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge!

What a wonderful way to teach our children what to do in an emergency situation!

Katrina has taught us all in the gulf region just how important it is to prepare and stay prepared! We are entering our second tornado season and we in the South know how our weather can change at the drop of a hat! So keep looking up and always always stay prepared!

Court Of Honor And Merit Badge News!

Will be held on Monday, February 13th, during the regularly scheduled meeting!

I know that the boys have worked diligently on their Emergency Preparedness Merit Badges. Along with others. We are so proud of their progress in rank! But we still need to press on and work harder!

*********************************************************************************

We will soon have a meeting to start work on:

American Cultures






American Heritage







Citizenship In The Nation





Dog Care








********************************************************************************
Hi I am Tracye Prewitt and I will lead you through the historical materials needed for these reguirements. I have a BA in History from Mississippi State University and actually find history fun and interesting! I hope you will enjoy learning a little about your country's past and hopefully it will contribute to your further appreciation of your Nation and all the sacrifies that have been made over the years for your freedom!

I hope to contact a area vet to help us with our Dog care merit badge! But that will be in the future! But we already have two willing volunteers in the dog part; Maise and Dottie will love to help us out with this badge!

You can find all requirements at the following websites

www.meritbadge.com

and

http://www.usscouts.org/mb/framesindex.html

Please download these requirements and read them thoughly and decide how you are going to go about doing them. We will discuss these badges and their requirements in full soon!

DO A GOOD TURN DAILY!!!!!!!

WHAT THE HECK IS SO IMPORTANT ABOUT A MEDIA RACK ANYWAY?

It may not have seemed like much, but it was a lot more important than you think.

When Hurricane Katrina struck, thousands fled the coast, many not knowing what would become of them and their homes. Some came to Vicksburg, and there they waited; trying to get basic necessities, and eager for information about their homes. The waiting is tough on everyone, but the waiting is sometimes harder on the children; spending their Labor Day Weekend so far from home and friends. But then, for a little while, some Boy Scouts showed up and spent some time with them building 'media racks'.

The materials were donated by Home Depot. The scouts just brought hammers...and smiles. The craft, a little media rack for CD's or tapes was simple, inexpensive, and may one day find it's way into a garage sale or the trash. But this week many of these racks are still being lovingly colored with crayons or pens (all that's available in the shelter). Some have toys or books on them now, and many were tucked close to pillows in the shelter not far from that favorite stuffed animal.

On the whole the entire event was nothing really great, except that these children had someone spend some time with them, taking their minds off their troubles. It's not even a big deal for the scouts, who are supposed to do good turns and help others. They really didn't think they were doing anything that great. We called, and they showed up. This is a group of guys who take hours planning a campout and can't decide what to have for breakfast, but It took them just a few hours to get together to put on this event. Perhaps they thought this was important?

After the craft these young men stayed awhile. They helped unload supplies, the walked evacuee's dogs. They did whatever they were asked to do; Scouts are helpful and obedient.

No, it really wasn't much...except to those children. Many lost their homes, and some lost family. But they learned that others do care and, somehow, they are going to get through this. It was just another example of how Scouts can show up, help out when needed, and treat it like another day. We're lucky to have these guys around when help is needed, very lucky.

Richard Van den Akker

February Activities

3 (5:00-9:00pm) – District Eagle Banquet, Jackson, MS (POC Mike Rasch)
4-5 – Likely times for Vicksburg Mardi Gras float construction (POC Jeff Covington)
11-12 – Likely times for Vicksburg Mardi Gras float construction (POC Jeff Convington)
13 (7:00-8:30pm) – Court of Honor during regular troop meeting
16 (7:00-8:00pm) – PCUMC, Troop committee / PLC meeting (POC David King)
17-19 (5:00pm Friday – 3:00pm Sunday) – New Orleans Mardi Gras trip. Approx cost $20/scout. (POC Richard Van Den Akker)
20 – no troop meeting
25 (9:00am – 4:00pm) – Vicksburg Mardi Gras parade. (POC Jeff Covington)

Welcome to Troop 638

We meet at Porter's Chapel United Methodist Church on Monday nights at 7 pm
Our Scoutmaster is Mike Rausch
Other Adult leaders are:
Burhman Gates
Nathan Prewitt
Richard Van Den Akker
Jeffery Covington
David King
Dan Twedt

We would love to schedule your webeloes den visits soon!
We also invite any scout who is the the Vicksburg Warren area to feel free and visit us soon!
Everyone is welcome!

Bring a child up in the way in which you want them to go and they will never depart from it!