VOICES
FEBRUARY 9, 2012
|6
QUOTEWORTHY Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation of strength.
Eric Hoffer
SUBMIT LETTERS TO EDITOR@BONNERSPRINGS.COM
COMMENT
POINT OF VIEW
Scouting still important Recently, I was asked if I thought the But that isn’t the end of the road for Boy Scouts of America remains a vital and the candidate, as now they also have to viable organization for young men in the complete a major service project. This 21st century. Without pausing a second isn’t just some simple chore as some of I answered emphatically that it certainly the projects are huge undertakings. The was and that we needed it as much as Eagle project requires the young man to ever. The Boy Scouts remain the premier plan the work, receive proper permischaracter-building organization for sion, recruit volunteers, work out financyoung men in the country. We need an ing and then spent a lot of hours workorganization that emphasizes learning ing and directing the project. skills, exploring the world around them, Believe me, these projects involve the understanding governentire family. Nearly a ment and giving back CLAUSIE SMITH decade ago we spent to the community many hot days helping through service. with the scraping and Obviously I’m a big painting of the interior supporter of the proof the caboose at Cengram and my love of tennial Park and workScouting comes natuing on landscaping rally. My father was a projects. longtime Scoutmaster Over the years, and leader in Troop 126 young men have comin Garnett. I was an pleted some projects Eagle Scout and my brother-in-law was which were valuable to the city, schools an Eagle Scout. In addition I have a son- and churches. Recently, the football lockin-law who was an Eagle Scout. To keep er room was painted and back in the the family heritage going both of my 1980s steps were built to a giant slide that Bonner Springs grandsons were Eagle was located in Lions Park. I really believe Scouts in Troop 149. Yes, I remain a vol- that conducting a service project teaches unteer with the local program. It certain- the young man many skills that are ly is easy to see why I believe in Scouting. important for successful living. Don’t get me wrong; there are many Thanks to Camp Naish, the Boy Scout other character-building organizations program has been vital to our communithat do a great job, too, and I don’t want ty. Many thousands of folks who live to take anything away from them. My throughout the region have visited Bonwife was Who’s Who in 4-H and my ner Springs because of Camp Naish. daughters were involved in Girl Scouts During the next few weeks you’ll have and Camp Fire Girls. They all are fine a chance to help the Scouting program. organizations that provide great training The first will come on Saturday when for youth. Yet, due to my experience, the Troop 149 holds its annual pancake Boy Scouts have stood the test of time breakfast at the United Methodist and have evolved into an organization Church from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Bonthat serves modern needs. ner Springs United Methodist Church. When I was working toward being an Tickets are $5 each. It is a great commuEagle, I mastered many skills although it nity event. In addition the annual Boy has been 50 years since I’ve used some of Scout Friends drive will be conducted. If them. The requirements were much sim- you want to help, contact Bruce Colepler in those days. You had to earn 21 man, myself or other volunteers. merit badges with a few required ones Scouting is over a century old, but such as Hiking, Camping, Swimming thanks to dedicated volunteers it is still a and Cooking. While many of these are program that provides learning experistill required, others such as Personal ence and adventure to young men. Yes, Finance and Citizenship in the commu- I’m proud to be involved in the Scouting nity, nation and world are mandatory. program.
Three local residents are our community voices for this three-month period. The three will comment on events local and national. And, at times, our local commentators may offer additional views online at bonnersprings.com
Q:
What was your favorite moment (commercials included) during the Super Bowl on Sunday?
“My favorite commercial moment was the dog that went on a diet. It was for Volkswagen, I think.” Jeri Cochran
Bonner Springs Head Start director
“Mario Manningham's catch and the safety caused by Justin Tuck were the most entertaining moments, and my favorite.” Basehor-Linwood High School senior
MAYOR Clausie W. Smith 13820 Grove Bonner Springs, KS 66012 913-441-1379
WARD 1 George Cooper 126 Maple Bonner Springs, KS 66012 913-749-8738 Jack Knight 402 E. Second St Bonner Springs, KS 66012 913-441-3671
WARD 2 Tom Stephens 13835 Woodmont Ave. Bonner Springs, KS 66012 913-441-8583 Racheal Haas
CHINESE RESTAURANT
117 Oak, Bonner Springs Monday-Thursday & Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed Sunday
Amy Schaffer
teen services librarian, Basehor Community Library
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