
The winds may be blowing and the thermometer continues to drop lower and lower, but scouting events still proceed. Be prepared, brings a new and different view to things. If there is a question as to whether an event will take place due to the weather, please check your email. An update on the event may have been forwarded. The scouts could also check with their Patrol Leader or advisor. Check the phone tree for the telephone numbers.
I would like to encourage the parents and Members of the Troop Committee to attend the monthly committee meetings held at St. James Church, at 7 PM on the second Thursday of each month. Fresh ideas and energy are always welcomed and appreciated. The next meeting is Thursday, February 12th, at 7 PM. Hope to see you there!
Marsha Kofman, rdhetal@yahoo.com or 429-0794
Silent Auction: Mark Your Calendars NOW!!
As all of you are aware, the scouting events for this year have been paid for from the successful fundraising event from last April, of the 2nd Annual Silent Auction and Dessert Buffet. A tremendous effort was put forth by all to help raise money for our events. Well, the 3rd Annual Silent Auction and Dessert Buffet is scheduled for Saturday, April 4th, 2009. Again, as we did last year, we are going to be asking for help from all of the scouts and families to ensure that this will be a success.
Parents, look for the signups for the various committees to tap into your special talents! Scouts, we will be in need of lots of team work and salesmanship skills for this event to be successful! We will thank you in advance for your help. Without YOUR help, this event will not take place. Step forward and let us know how you can help.
Scout Slogan: “Do A Good Turn Daily.”
With the winter snows piling up, I would like to suggest to each scout to adopt the fire hydrant in your neighborhood. When it snows, shovel the snow away from the hydrant so the Fire Department will have quick and clear access in the event they need to. If you are “Prepared”, you can help the Fire Department be prepared to help others.
Dues Reminder!
Don’t forget you need to be current with your dues to participate in Troop 401 events. Have YOU paid your dues???
*Marsha Kofman, rdhetal@yahoo.com , 429-0794
Shaw’s Receipts
Thanks to all who have contributed and keep them coming! Dee Berube is the volunteer in charge of this fundraiser. Please pass all receipts in to her or her husband Kevin.
Grater Woods Hike:
A group of scouts met at the Merrimack Middle School on the Saturday after Xmas. There was a good turnout of scouts and leaders but an expert guide dog was required for the winter hike. It was a wet and damp day but everyone was well dressed for the weather. The snow was shallow and wet and it was easy walking the 3 miles in the woods.
The trail was well marked initially, but after the formal trail, the snow made finding the correct trail difficult.


We walked through the easy terrain and came upon a beaver dam. We crossed the beaver dam and picked up another trail circling back to the ball fields. A snowball throwing competition had begun with Mr. Sanborn taking on all challengers. I can’t remember the score but Max gave Mr. S a pretty good run for his crown.
Just as we got back to the cars, the rain started. Finished just in time. No wet feet, no soaked clothes and everyone had a great day. We all worked off some of that good Xmas cooking.
Mr. Retelle
ASM Troop 401
Bragdon Farm Sledding:
Glorious weather waited us on Bragdon Farm in Amherst for a day of sledding. Beautiful blue sky, sunshine and cool winter temperatures made for perfect sledding. From tubes, kneed boards, plastic sleds to Mr. Kilkelly’s old school toboggan, Troop 401 was prepared.




The scouts attacked the big jump early with a few injuries resulting. After that, the favorite runs were the Troop 401 blobs. Everyone tried to get in on it and the runs were fast and long.
Mr. Volante filmed our fast run.

After 2 hours (well Max and Jackson were hardcore and stayed for 4) we were all pretty worn out from walking back up the big hill. A great day and thanks to Holden for recommending we do this as a troop.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Saint Joseph’s Hospital Box Wrap
On December 22nd a group of Scouts and adults joined together to help out St. Joe’s Hospital. They teamed up to wrap MANY large boxes. These boxed were used to fill with presents for both patients and those less fortunate in the surrounding communities. We were told that we were the fastest group yet! The hospital treated all the volunteers to pizza and cookies to thank them. Go TEAM!
Library Book Sale Set Up & Break Down:
Thursday, January 22nd a large group of Scouts and Parents showed up to help our Public Library get all the books in place for the annual Book Fair that took place on Saturday the 24th and Sunday the 25th. This was followed by everyone’s favorite, CLEAN UP! A few Scouts and Adults showed up and all was a success!
Klondike Derby:
Hello Everyone,
The Klondike Derby is right around the corner on Feb. 6th and 7th at Lone Pine Hunting Club, Hollis, NH. Scouts can stay overnight Friday or just attend the event on Saturday.
We will spend the next couple of weeks preparing for this event and here are some important dates to note.
Saturday January 31st at 10:00am:-Sled repair and orienteering practice Please let me know if you (Scouts or Leaders) can attend! Pizza will be served.
Monday night February 2nd:-Review sled supply list and practice first aid. !Permission slips and food payments due!
Thursday February 5th, 6:30pm:-Test equipment and pack sleds.
Friday February 6th, 5:30pm:- Meet at the church for overnight Freeze Out.
Saturday morning February 7th, 6:30am: - Scouts attending just the Klondike, on Saturday meet at the church
Saturday February 8th, 6:00 pm: - Scouts arrive back at the church
Regards, Mr. Sanborn
Training:
On March 21st, 2009 we will be offering the following training at the LDS Church in Nashua:
New Leader EssentialsScoutmasterTroup Committee ChallengePack CommitteeCubmasterWebelos LeaderCub Scout Leader (Wolf/Bear)Tiger Leader Pack Trainer This training is being offered in conjunction with the second half of Merit Badge College. Cost will be $6.00 for all registrants, full day or afternoon session. This will help with the cost of feeding all the trainers.
Calendar:
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Feb. 6-8 |
District Freeze Out and Klondike * |
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Feb. 8 |
Scout Sunday |
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Feb. 14 |
Ice Fishing |
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10-Mar |
Summer Camp Deposits Due |
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7-Mar |
Scouting University (Leaders) |
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March. 7 |
Merrimack YMCA Lock-in |
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March. 14 |
Vertical Dreams |
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March. 20-22 |
Campout * |
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3/30 & 4/6 |
Easter Bread Bake |
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March. 16 |
COURT OF HONOR |
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April. 4 |
2nd Annual Dessert/Silent Auction |
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April 17-20 |
Issac Davis Trail & Renactments * |
Committee Meetings
Committee Meetings are open to all Troop adults. They are on the second Thursday of each month at St. James Church, 7 PM. Hope to see you there. The Troop committee oversees the events that the scouts have chosen. We also make sure that the scouts and leaders have the necessary materials and training to have these events happen.
Everyone’s help is always welcome.
Roundtable
District Roundtable is on the second Wednesday of each month. It takes place at the Church of Latter Day Saints, in Nashua, at 7 PM. All Leaders and troop adults are encouraged to attend. Valuable information about upcoming events is made available at this monthly training meeting.
Want to be a participant in the monthly newsletter? Do some research to provide the recipe of the month or any other helpful tip that your fellow Scout members can use. They will be collected and one or more may be published each month. Email your ideas to Mrs. Thomson at mlissat@comcast.net
Camper’s Deep Dish Pizza in a Dutch Oven
1 package of 4 premade pizza crusts
2 cans of tomato sauce
2 packages of shredded mozzarella cheese
For each crust:
˝ can of sauce
˝ package of cheese
Place in your dutch oven over the fire and check periodically
Thanks for your contribution to the newsletter Senior Patrol! I heard it was YUMMY!!!
Glenn Kofman Tim Retelle
Lisa Sanborn Robin Rich
January,
Conor Meighan 13 Matt Stockhausen 17
Paul Davidson 13 Harold Brodell
February,
Eric Retelle 19 Peggy Meighan
Bob Golemo Louis Rothenberg
Birthday To You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please feel free to contact me anytime with words of wisdom, creative ideas, pictures etc. Melissa Thomson, mlissat@comcast.net, 429-2805