Goshen - Flag Retirement or Disposal Ceremony (Summer 2020)

 

One of the things that many Boy Scout troops are asked to do, is to help "retire" or dispose of old, worn out American Flags.  For those who do not know, you simply do not burn them but there is usually a ceremony which takes place around this.  

 

 

Goshen - Service Project (Summer 2022)

 At Goshen, most troops will do some sort of service project.  In some instances, they may be small beautification projects, such as repainting signs and other times, it may be a major improvement.

This time, it looks like the troop restored and repainted a Patrol Box.  For those who are unaware, a Patrol Box is meant to store pots, pans, cooking utensils, nonperishable foods, etc. and to be animal proof.  

Enjoy the photos!

 

 

 

     

Pack 23 Bridging Ceremony (Part One)

 

On Saturday, May 14th, Pack 23 (sponsored by St. Michael's Catholic Church in downtown Silver Spring) held their Blue and Gold.  Three members of the pack bridged over to our troop.   

Thanks to SM Rogers and three Scouts for assisting with the ceremony.  Thanks to ASM Barone for the photos.

 

 

These plaques were made in Pennsylvania for all those bridging.  Very nice remembrance, for the Scouts, of this event.

 

 

 

Eagle Court of Honor - Conrad Smith (Part One)

 

On Friday, March 4, 2022, at apx. 7:30pm the Eagle Court of Honor for Conrad Smith was held at St. Michael's Church - Williamsburg Room (Silver Spring, MD).

 Here are a series of photos from the event.    

 

 

Jellyfish Patrol Flag and Song

Yes, these was not only a flag but also a song.   Having these sorts of items, after 50 plus years, is a wonderful example of Scouting in the 1960's.  

Thank you Pat O'Connell. 

 

 

Daniel Patrick O'Connell Collection - The Jellyfish Patrol

  Daniel Patrick O'Connell was a Scout in the Troop during the 1960s.  In December, he sent us some of his memorabilia from that time. 

One of the items that he sent us was a was a Jellyfish Patrol Flag and a Jellyfish Patrol Patch.   

According to Mr. O'Connell:

The Jellyfish Patrol (named for the marine creatures that would blossom off Camp Roosevelt in late June) was the staff patrol – SPL, ASPL, JASM.  The troop had 60+ boys in those days, and I think the staff patrol was used to graduate older boys out of Patrol Leader so that younger boys could assume leadership positions.  

Before I became SPL, I was PL for Panther Patrol, which was clearly the best patrol.  I was recruited for scouts by Jack McGinn, a neighbor who was Panther Patrol Leader and later an Eagle Scout.  Sadly, he died in the Vietnam War – he was a great guy.

What a great item from that time!  You don't see things like this anymore.

And, just as important, we sadly have learned from his note that a second Scout from Troop 466 was killed in Vietnam: Jack McGinn.  We will remember him and "Trippy" Streeks on Memorial Day 2022.

Daniel Patrick O'Connell Collection - Panther Patrol Flag

Daniel Patrick O'Connell was a member of Troop 466 during the 1960's.   In fact, he was able to identify himself and others, in the videos from the Creeden Collection.  

In late December, he sent us some of his memorabilia.  One of the greatest pieces was the Panther Patrol Flag, which he tells me that was created by his mother for his patrol.   

What a fantastic item!  I must say, you don't see Patrol Flags like this today. 

Daniel Patrick O’Connell Collection - Patches (Part One)

 

Daniel Patrick O'Connell was Scout during 1960's.  In fact, he us in a number of the videos from the Creeden Collection and was able to identify a number of Scouts from that period of time, and did so in the comments section of each.

He was kind enough to donate a number of items to the troop, including the following patches.  

Thank you!

 

 

Troop 466 - The Odds and Ends

These photos come from the Creeden Collection. 

 Mr. John Creeden was a Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 466, sponsored by St. John the Evangelist Church (Silver Spring, MD). 

Because there were few notes on the photos, we do not know about many of these events. 

If you participated in any of these events as a Scout and/or Scouter, or recognize anyone in the photos, we would love to hear from you.

 

 

 

 

Christmas Tree Sale Cancelled for 2021

 

It is with the deepest regrets that for the first time in almost 60 years, we must cancel our annual Christmas Tree Sale.

Why?

 1.  There are fewer tree farms operating, than there were over ten years ago.  This reduces the supply and was actually an issue we faced last year.

2.   A drought from a few years ago, has all but eliminated our ability to obtain Douglas Fir trees.

3.  The quality of the available Fraser Fir trees is very poor.  We do not like to sell an inferior quality product to our loyal customers.

4.  Transportation issues.

We apologize to all of our regular customers but due to the circumstances beyond our control, we had no choice.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to place a comment below or send us an email (ncactroop466@gmail.com).

Please note that the troop will conduct a Service Project, sometime during the month of December. 

 

 

Troop 466 and National Scout Week at Wheaton Plaza

 In the late 1960's and early 1970's, Wheaton Mall (Wheaton, MD) hosted National Scouting Week each February. We believe that these photos were taken at the 1969 and 1970 events.

These photos come from the Creeden Collection. Mr. John Creeden was a Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 466, sponsored by St. John the Evangelist Church (Silver Spring, MD). 

If you were at these events, as a Scout or attendee, we would love to hear from you.

 

Eagle Scout Ceremony from The Creeden Years

Unfortunately, we have no information about this Eagle Scout Court of Honor, other than it took place in the St. John's Elementary School Auditorium. 

Of course, we were able to identify a few of the participants, such as Mr. Creeden and Msgr. Brady. 

If you were at this event and/or can identify any of the participants, please let us know.

Troop 466 Competes in an Inter-Troop Competition

These photos come from the Creeden Collection. 

Mr. John Creeden was a Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 466, sponsored by St. John the Evangelist Church (Silver Spring, MD). 

Because there were no notes on the photos, we believe that these are from an Inter-Troop Competition. 

However, we have no indication of when or where this was held. If you participated in this event or recognize anyone in the photos, we would love to hear form you.

 

 

The Bike Collection -- A Blast from the Past!

John Creeden (1921 - 2021) served as both Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 466 (Silver Spring) during the mid/late 1960s to the early 1970s.

Mr. Creeden passed away in June of this year.  A number of boxes of his Scout memorabilia was sent to the author of this blog - photos, documentation, etc.

After sorting through the photos and scanning them, a series of short videos were created.

In this short video, we see the members of Amangamek-Wipit Lodge #470 repaired 16 bikes and tricycles for the Stephen Knolls Elementary School (Silver Spring, MD). They were donated for the use of the Special Education students at the school in March 1971.  This activity was organized by Mr. Creeden.  

If you participated in this, or know any of the individuals involved, we would love to hear from you.

 

 

 

 

 

The New Troop Flag has Arrived

 

After almost 70 years of service, the original troop flag was found torn and tattered in the troop room in July.   It was simply no longer usable. 

A new troop flag was ordered and it arrived a few days ago.  It was installed in mid-October on the troop flag pole.

 Not only is a a difference in materials (linen vs. nylon) but also in the shape and lettering.  

 

 

Goshen Reservation - Summer Camp 2021

 

Well, the author of this blog has been quite remiss in posting.  

One Sunday morning, in late July, I happened to drive into the parking lot at St. John the Evangelist to attend 8am Mass, and came upon the troop heading to Goshen. 

 Here are some of the photos from that morning.  

 Enjoy!!

 

I love this one, as you can see Mom giving her son big hug and him not wanting the photo taken.

 

Happy 100th Birthday Mr. Creeden!

 

Happy 100th Birthday Mr. Creeden!!

 

 

Sweep the Creek 2021

 Each year, the Friends of Sligo Creek holds at least one "SWEEP THE CREEK" event.  The purpose is pick up and trash that has accumulated along the creek over the winter.

This year, we participated in the event and it was well attended by the Scouts, Parents and Leaders of Troop 466.  I would estimate we had almost 20 in total at the event, who participated from 9am to 11am on Saturday, April 17, 2021.   Maybe it was because many had been cooped up due to the pandemic, maybe because it was a really nice day, there were also many others from Sligo Middle School who participated in the general event. 

We were also joined by a couple of Cubs from two other Scout packs.  

Here are just a few photos:

 

 

Our New Christmas Tree Banner

 

For over 25 years, we have used a very large wooden sign, advertising the sale to those driving by on Georgia Avenue.  

 

 

Because it is so large, it takes four people to load the sign onto a pick-up truck, drive it over to the location, and then the same four people to install it.  Quite a bit of time and energy to do so.

In addition, because if the construct, it is awkward to store in the shed and is bulky.

This past year, due to a number of factors, it was difficult to get enough people to not only install, but to take down.

Therefore, an effort was undertaken to not only replace the sign with a new banner, but make it so, that one person can put it up and take it down.

Therefore, we unveil to you, our new banner: 

 

 

 

Once the new frame has been created, we will share with you a photo of it!

 

 

Troop 466 Christmas Tree Sales

This year, as with previous years, we will conduct a Christmas Tree Sale.  However, due to COVID, things will be a bit different.

Here is what you need to know:

• We will have a much smaller number of trees available than normal.
  

• Due to the smaller number of trees available, you can Pre-Order to reserve a tree.  The order form is available below.  Please read all of the information carefully on the form before ordering.  All Pre-Order Forms must be in by Dec. 1st.  No Exceptions
  

• We will only have 6' to 7' Frasier Fir trees for sale.  They will be available at one set price. 
  

• Douglas Fir trees will not be available due to a drought and an early frost, which killed many.
  

• Trees will be displayed on racks but will not be unwrapped.
  

• We will not trim trees this year.

• We will assist you with loading the tree on your vehicle, if needed.
  

• We will not tie trees to vehicles, but will provide twine, if needed.
  

• Social distancing and masks will be required. 
  

• We will only be open on the weekends, from 9am to 5pm.  No weekday sales.
  

• Once the trees are all sold, the sale will end.
  

 

Tree pick-up will begin on Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th, as well as, Dec. 12th and Dec. 13th.   

 

Note: We cannot guarantee that there will be trees available for walk-in sales.  However, please watch this website for further announcements. 

 

We thank you for all of your support over the years and thank you in advance, for your understanding during this time.

If you have any questions, please contact us at mcarelli954@gmail.com