Pumpkin Patch a HUGE Success

The Troop's first-ever Pumpkin Patch exceeded all expectations: Profits may top $800.000 and are still climbing (this is a hint: there are still a few pumpkins for sale…)! Highlights included the Scarecrow contest and a visit by Troop 2 from the School for the Blind. This event was so successful that our Troop has been offered the opportunity to host next year's Tiger Cub Pumpkin Patch Day, should we decide to continue this fundraising activity.

Tom Sims

St. Helena Hike and Campout

Seven Scouts and seven adults met at Bothe-Napa State Park campground on Saturday, November 3rd, to hike to the top of Mt. St. Helena. This 11-mile round trip hike, one of the Rimrover trails, ascends 1400 feet to the top of the tallest peak in the Bay Area. Twelve of the party stayed to camp on Saturday evening, and they were rewarded with a gourmet camp dinner prepared by the Shorts.

Weather for the hike was clear and warm, although the campground chilly and damp the following morning. After fueling up with hearty breakfast burritos we struck camp and returned home - not a single corn chip was lost on the way back.

Tom Sims

OA Spring Camporee April 6-8, 2001

Troop 110 fielded two patrols for the annual spring Camporee hosted by the Order of the Arrow at Los Mochos. The adventure started in the rain forcing everyone who attended to setup tents in the rain frantically trying to stay dry. Fortunately our new tents weather the downpour Friday evening keeping everyone dry and warm. Saturday morning with more rain threatening the scouts plowed through the new mud, cold, and windy fields to complete the Mountain Man themed events. The rain stayed away Saturday allowing for a perfect star filled campfire latter that evening. The highlight of the campfire was the Order of the Arrow Callout. Chris Magno was the only scout nominated from Troop 110 to be invited to join the OA.

John Pedersen

California Coastal Clean Up October 7, 2000

This years annual California Coast Cleanup took place on Angel Island. Troop 110 under the leader ship of Assistant Scoutmaster Mr. Butler actively participated by helping to clean the beach imminently east of Point Blunt on Angel Island. Seven scouts, six adults and one older brother volunteered for this worthy cause along with the thousands of others who helped clean California's beaches. The scouts on the trip were Chris G., Richard B., Luke T., and Andrew W. all from the Roadkill Patrol. The rest of the scouts included Sean C., Nicholas B., Lukas G., and Lukas' older brother Noah. Adults included Mr. Butler, Mr. Godfrey, Mr. Grippa, Mr. Wagner, Mr. Belich, and Mrs. Cary.

The adventure started in Sausalito at the Core of Army Engineer's, San Francisco Bay model. At 8:30 p.m. everyone boarded a W.W.II seaplane tender, the Coyote, and sailed to Angel Island's Point Plunt. Point Plunt is the last remaining active military facility on Angel Island. It is used as a Coast Guard navigation aid for ocean going ships entering and leaving San Francisco Bay.

Disembarking the Coyote our group enthusiastically collected plastic bags of recyclables, (aluminum, glass, and plastic) and a considerable amount of garbage. The most unusually piece of garbage collected received a special California Coast Clean up T-shirt. The object deemed most unusual was a piece of china pottery dated 1941. It probably was part of the mess hall dishes from Fort McDonald back when the island was an active military base.

We left Angel at noon and headed back across Raccoon Straight for a Bar-B-Q lunch hosted by the Marin City Lyons club. Here our group meet up with others who also participated in the California Coast Clean Up. After lunch our group toured the Bay Model and a museum dedicated to men and women who built over sixty tankers and cargo ships in Sausalito which were used in World War II.

Pete Godfrey

OA Spring 2000 Camporee April 14-16, 2000

On Friday evening our troop departed for the long trip to Ardenwood Farm, (really only 4 miles). Anticipation was high thinking about camping with the chickens, pigs, lambs, goats, peacocks, and the balance of the barnyard animals on the farm. Fortunately for all the farm animals when we arrived we were led to a freshly plowed vintage walnut grove. This site would serve as our base camp for the next two evenings. All the critters were safely locked away in their respective pens except for the peacocks and free roaming skunks. The farm animals may not have been allowed to roam freely, but we were well compensated by the fresh farm aromas.

As with any scouting event, come Saturday morning schedule changes were made. As usual they did not match information handed out to the Scoutmaster. This caused confusion as to the correct time for the evening retreat and campfire.

Three patrols participated in Saturday's events. The Roadkill patrol was at maximum strength with eight scouts competing. Members of the Tigers, Flaming Arrows, Lighting Bolts, and one member from the Dragons formed into two patrols in order to compete.

During the day one event was dropped from the program and one event changed because an adult felt striking matches with a hatchet was not an appropriate scouting event. At one time scouts were actually encouraged to play "mumble peg". Okay, "mumble peg" could be a little dangerous but trying to strike matches with a hatchet sounds like something scouts would like to do. In a supervised event what's the problem?

Saturday's campfire left a lot to be desired. Normally the awards campfire is the highlight of the camporee. In my humble opinion more effort could have been spent assuring its success. The campfire started by an attempt to light the campfire with a chant of "burn fire burn." Except when the magical moment came and the fire sprang to life with a short burst of pyrotechnic sky rocket devices and Pick-a-lo Pete's, it quickly fizzled out. A member of the Order of the Arrow rushed out and doused the fire pit with Charcoal lighter. He dropped several matches into the kerosene-saturated wood before a proper camp fire ignited.

The campfire consisted of each troop performing a skit. Troop 110 showcased "J.C. Penny," always a campfire favorite. In the skit several scouts displaying an article of clothing, shoes, socks, pants, ect. are complimented on how nice the particular item looks. They ask where the scout got the clothing and he responds with, "I got it from JC Penny." Everyone is led to believe that the scout purchased the clothing at a J.C. Penny department store. In the end Olaf Guadarrama, who definitely was the star of the performance, runs into the campfire circle being stripped of all his clothing, except his boxer shorts. He introduces himself as J.C. Penny. The skit did bring a thunderous roar of laughter followed by a resounding applause. Other skits barely received a courtesy applause. The biggest problem was the lack of any amplified sound. As the scouts tried to perform their skits, those who didn't speak up could not be heard.

After about an hour of watching skits that were barely audible the real purpose of the campfire began, the "Calling Out" Ceremony for the Order of the Arrow. Several Indian braves appeared and started lighting torches to the rhythmic drumming of a single tom-tom drum. Soon the senior members of the OA approached the center of the campfire and started the "Call Out" asking for silence from all present. Stephen E. and Eric W. were nominated from Troop 110. Ed Pauley should also have also been "Called Out" but due to a paper works snafu was not. The campfire ended with all the new Order of the Arrow nominees sworn to silence for the balance of the evening.

Sunday morning all the scouts presented themselves for colors at 8:00 a.m. At this time awards were handed out from Saturdays competition. Troop 110 walked away with third place for the Cleanest Camp at the Camporee. The Roadkill Patrol scored a first place for Trail Signs and a third place for the Ski Event.

When the troops were dismissed everyone was forced to march past a set of portable toilets placed in an open field for the convenience of the scouts at the camporee. Saturday night one or more mischievous juvenile scouts completely trashed all the portable toilets. In the end the Camporee hosts were forced to clean up the disgusting mess. Actions like this only leave a bad reputation with the public and in the end will severely narrow down the sites scouts are welcomed to visit or use.

Prior to leaving Sunday morning Felica Yau and Rawnie Clements donated several dozen donuts provided our campsite was cleaned. It's amazing what a few donuts can accomplish to motivate our scouts. By 10:00 p.m. everyone was safely home. (see Pictures)

Pete Godfrey

Scouts work with Max L. on Eagle Project May 1, 2000

On Sunday, May 1st, scouts from Troop 110 met at Ardenwood Historical Farm to assist Max L. on his Eagle Project. For his project, Max has decided to replace a large portion of the horse coral at the farm. The current coral has seen better days and is definitely in need of repair and replacement. With plenty of water on hand as well as a box of Krispy Kream donuts, the Eagle Project got underway. Scouts that showed up to help Max were; Joseph G., Stephen E., Chris M., Joe P., and J.R. P. The adults that participated were Mr. Jack Lyness, Mr. Mike Magno, and Mr. John Pedersen.

Max directed the day's activities, which included pulling hundreds of nails from recyclable lumber for reuse in the coral and digging holes to setup new fence posts. This aggressive Eagle Project got off to a great start with the help of all who participated.

Check the Troop Web site for pictures.

John Pedersen

Lighting Bolts Take Part in Earth Day April 22, 2000

On Saturday, April 22, the Lightning Bolt Patrol led by Keith Keller and joined by patrol members, J.R. P., Chris M., Jeff S., Josh S. and Joe P. went to Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge for the annual Earth Day and Coastal Clean-up. Others on the service project included Mr. Mike Magno, Mrs. Christobel Magno, Kristen Magno, Mr. John Pedersen and Mr. Mike Short.

Everyone met at the Magno Estate and caravanned over to the Wildlife Refuge. Once at the park, bags and gloves were issued and the "Bolts" got shuttled down to the Bay Shore line and got to work picking up all kinds of litter. The litter was separated into trash and recyclables. The patrol filled up seven 55-gallon trash bags and five other bags with recyclable items. Strange items found this year included; an expended 12-gauge shot gun casing, a big yellow Tupperware™ bowl, a dead 30 pound sturgeon fish, eight dead ducks, a tin printing press sheet and a 1965 calendar.

After service project the patrol went to the Native Plant Sale to fulfill one of their First Class requirements to identify ten native plants. With the help of a naturalist named Arthur, the "Bolts" learned a lot about botany that afternoon. Among the many trees he showed the scouts, there were oak, pine (Monterey, white, and yellow), Buck-eye, and sycamore. Other native plants included; California's state flower the poppy, the wild rose, and milk weed.

The patrol held a working lunch at Newark's Subway Sandwich Shop and planned their afternoon events. After sandwiches, chips and drinks, the refreshed patrol regrouped at Coyote Hills Regional Park to work on their compass skills and to complete an orienteering course. After a most brilliant lecture from Mr. Magno and Mr. Pedersen regarding the finer points of land navigation, three teams consisting of two boys each tackled the orienteering course. Each team left with a compass and written instructions and much to the joy of the scout leaders and parents, all teams made it successfully back utilizing their land navigation and orienteering skills. (see Pictures)

John Pedersen

Garden Project

Our garden at the Tri-Ced Recycling Center is now in operation. The garden is located on Western Avenue in Union City. We need volunteers to help with weed pulling, laying a new drip irrigation system, establishing a new rock garden, and getting the compost bins back into full production. If you have not visited the site yet come by and help out. It's the perfect place to earn or start the following Merit Badges; Gardening, Citizenship in the Community, (items 7, 8, and 10), Soil and Water Conservation, Environmental Science, and Insect Study.

On Saturday April 29, six people showed up, Marilyn Epps, Katherine E., Amada Wellcome, Pete Godfrey, Chris G., and David H. to volunter their time for planting and weeding. The work started with a donation from Tri-Ced of six flats of flowers. Most of the flowers were planted in the outside double-layered planters boarding the Tri-Ced driveway.

Since the first planting on April 9, the snails were busy devouring most of the herbs, lots of the flowers and some of the squash and bell peppers. These have all been replaced and a liberal sprinkling of snail bait was set out in all of the planters. Three mounds of pumpkins were also mistakenly up-rooted. New pumpkin mounds are now enclosed in two concrete circles. Since Tri-Ced donated so many flowers two concrete circles where the rock garden was located are now full of summer annuals. Come by and check it out. (see Pictures)

Pete Godfey

Big Basin Hike March 4, 2000

The hike to Big Basin's Berry Falls started at the park ranger station at 10:30 a.m. The scouts on this trip were Chris G., Andrew W., Gavin M., and Stephen E., lead by adults Pete Godfrey and Jarve Metcalf. More hikers were expected but due to illness, fear of rain, or possibly fear of the unknown the original group now totaled six.

The weather was perfect with an average temperature of 56 degrees, and a sunny blue sky. Rain was forecasted for Saturday night and as predicted rolled in after 7:00 p.m. Most of Big Basin is a magnificent virgin redwood forest. In October of 1769 these coastal redwoods were discovered by the Portola expedition that was exploring up the California coast. They called these giant trees "palo colorado". The Spaniards declared them the thickest, tallest, and strangest trees they had ever seen. When Big Basin was discovered many of the party was ill but by the end of their stay, they all had recovered. The Portola party named Big Basin "Canada de la Salud," or Canyon of Health.

Our small group setoff by Crossing Maddock Creek and proceed up to the beginning of the Sunset Trail. After about a mile of walking thorough a thick mixed forest of Tan Oak, California Bay Laurel, manzanita, madrone, Douglas fir, and Pacific Coast Redwoods we came to a junction and preceded on the Skyline to the Sea Trail. Storms closed the trail to the ocean but it was open to Berry Creek Falls. After about 3.5 miles the scouts found a twenty-five foot redwood plank somebody had placed on a four-foot diameter log making the perfect teeter-totter or old fashion seesaw. Here the hikers quickly learned a lesson in kinetic and potential energy. The seesaw could easily balance all four scouts four to five feet off the ground but as soon as one fell off, the opposite side of the plank accelerated by gravity crashed to the forest floor ending in laughter and some pain.

The next trail junction was the Berry Creek Falls Trail. This was the point where we had our first look at Berry Creek Falls. The falls cascade down a steep cliff for approximately 65 feet. Several storms had swelled most of the forest creeks so plenty of water was available to momentarily overwhelm our senses with a fantastic view.

Our lunch stop was at the junction of West Berry Creek and Berry Creek at the top of the falls. After lunch we climbed along West Berry Creek to Golden Falls and Silver Falls. Due to storms the trail was almost washed out. Climbing along the edge of Silver Falls, the park service provided a steel cable with guideposts to help negotiate the trail. Reaching the summit we again joined Sunset Trail passing Sunset Trail Camp.

Walking through the cathedral of redwoods the scouts identified many of the forest plants and animals. We saw banana slugs, California newts, Steller Jays and crows. Gavin, Chris and Andrew completed the second class rank requirement for identifying 10 plants and animals.

At 4.10 p.m. the group returned to the park's ranger station exhausted after completing a grueling twelve mile hike.

Pete Godfrey

SACRAMENTO Train Outing Feb. 25, 2000

On Saturday February 26, Troop 110 Departed to Sacramento with 11 Boy Scouts, 2 Cub Scouts, 9 adults and 4 additional family members for a total of 26 persons. The trip was planned and lead by Assistant Scoutmaster Rodger Butler. Our group left Contempo at 6:30 a.m. to catch the northbound Amtrak Capital Express in Emeryville. Due to construction on East I-80 the group actually arrive in Berkeley and needed to back tract to the Emeryville station. However everyone arrived in time to board the 7:45 a.m. train.

Boarding the train the conductor assigned our entire group to one coach. Having Boy Scouts on his train before he probably knew the rest of the Amtrak passengers would appreciate having us separated. Once the train departed the station some of the scouts quickly discovered the snack bar, two cars behind. Scouts with spending money felt this was the perfect time to start subsidizing Amtrak. As the train continued to Sacramento Mike Dunn challenged all comers to a stimulating game of Chess. The balance of the scouts entertained themselves by playing hide and seek, tag, making numerous water cooler visits, snack bar visits, toilet breaks, and spit ball fights until we arrived in Sacramento.

The Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM) provided us with a bonus. Fourteen participating SAM sites were open free of charge. These included the California State Railroad Museum, Discovery Museum, Sutter's Fort State Historical Park, California State Indian Museum, California State Capital, and the Wells Fargo History Museum to name just a few.

After Mr. Butler instructed everyone to meet back at the train station by 5:00 p.m. several groups set out in different directions. Scouts who visited the California State Capital building completed requirement 4b, for Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge. Scouts interested in completing the Railroading Merit Badge fulfilled requirement 6a if they visited the California State Railroad Museum. Traveling to Sacramento on the train completed requirement 6c.

Information for requirements 1a, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 4, 6b, and 7 was also available by visiting the California State Railroad museum.

On the return trip you would think everyone would want to sleep, but not our scouts. We were again assigned to a single coach and the predictable activities took place. One act of a malicious nature happened in one of two toilets in our coach. Someone thought it would be funny to drop a full role of toilet paper into a toilet. Fortunately the vandalism was seen by one of the troop leaders who unplugged the mess and cleaned up the area before it was noticed by an Amtrak train conductor. When the scouts were question as to the identity of the unscrupulous Boy Scout everyone pleaded innocence. When a deliberate act like this happens and we are in uniform, all Boy Scouts are blamed and their Trustworthy reputation is tarnished.

With the exception of the last incident the outing turned out to be a excellent day visiting our state's capital city by rail.

Pete Godfrey

Hawk Ridge Outing Feb. 18-20, 2000

Our troop departed Friday evening February 18, for Anthony Chabot Regional Park in a convoy of eight vehicles lead by Assistant Scoutmasters Mr. Magno and Mr. Godfrey. Nine adults participated along with 17 scouts, eight from the Roadkill, seven from the Lighting Bolts, and one each from the Tigers and Dragon patrols. Arriving at the park the scouts packed in their personal gear down a private road to our campsite at Hawk Ridge. All of the adults were permitted to drive the last mile. Camp was setup in short order and by 11:00 p.m. the scouts were all in their tents. Several adults managed to stay up watching the campfire burn down until after midnight.

Saturday morning after breakfast, Mr. Godfrey and Mr. Yau took Chris G., Jason L., Jason Y., Richard B., Stephen E., and Jeff S. fishing at Lake Chabot. Recent storms and stream runoff made Lake Chabot a giant mud puddle. Lake Chabot normally has excellent fishing for bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish and trout. Anglers fishing using a slide sinker baited with Rainbow Power Bait usually have no problem catching fish.

This particular Saturday due to the muddy lake all the boys got "skunked." Chris, Jeff and Richard all hoped to complete the Fishing Merit Badge so they were rather disappointed.

While the party of seven fished the balance of the scouts except for Josh S. and Joe P. went on a five-mile compass hike lead by Andrew W. Our Scoutmaster Mr. Westcott arrived early Saturday morning and stayed in camp with Josh and Joe. At one point in the 5 mile hike all the scouts were challenged to measure the height of a tree. Andrew was the only one to get the height correct winning a dollar.

Later in the afternoon when everyone returned to camp Mr. Westcott conducted a Scoutmaster conference for Hilton D., for the rank of Tenderfoot. That same evening Mr. Godfrey, Mr. Pedersen and Mr. Keller conveyed a Board of Review for Hilton. Hilton is now a Tenderfoot Scout well on his way to Second Class.

Just prior to dinner Mr. Godfrey, Mr. Westcott and several scouts cut 2 to 2.5 inch diameter eucalyptus sprouts into 8-foot long poles for a simple lashing project. The scouts and Mr. Godfrey attempted to build a bridge but had little luck; more rope and poles would have helped. The next morning several scouts felt that the poles would be perfect hiking staffs so they cut the poles down to 4 to 5 feet in length. Actually the hiking sticks made better baseball bats. Two of the scouts cut 1-inch diameter shoots that did turn out to be perfect walking/hiking staffs.

Sunday morning with rain treating all the scouts except for two packed out their gear to the main road for the short ride home.

Pete Godfrey

Fireman's Carry A Win, February 4, 2000

Troop 110 complete against seven other troops in the annual Indoor Rally successfully pulling off a First Place in the Fireman's Carry event. The troop also scored a Third Place for Spirit. However if you were in attendance it was hard to believe we didn't place first in Spirit. Our troop showed up with 15 scouts, 17 adults, and 7 siblings. We even were represented by 2 cheerleaders dressed in cheer leading uniforms complete with Troop 110 "T-shirts". At one point our scouts laid on the gym floor and spelled out "T-110" under the guidance of the cheerleaders, Jennifer S. and Stacy W.

During the Scoutmaster Pull we had sufficient "scout-power" to pull Mr. Westcott but during the excitement several scouts tripped causing half of our team to crumble. Needless to say the scouts did not place well for this event but they did add a lot of entertainment.

In the end, Troop 20 of Union City again won the overall completion. If our troop wants to win next year more practice in knots and first will certainly help.

Pete Godfrey

Klondike Derby - Snowless January 29, 2000

Troop 110 departed Saturday January 29, for the annual Mission Peak Klondike Derby with 6 adults and 17 scouts. Arriving at Pinecrest Camp minus the snow. Even though several winter storms passed through the Sierra, Pinecrest at elevation 5600 feet lacked the fluffy white carpet everyone expected. Some drifts were present around Pinecrest Lake but not enough for a decent snowball fight or to build igloos in.

Around 4:30 p.m. Keith K., Hilton D., and Chris M. decided to go off for a short adventure loosing track of time. Nightfall settled in when the troop noticed that three scouts were missing. None of the scouts carried flashlights and they quickly became disoriented trying to find their way back to camp. As the rest of the troop sat down for dinner several adult leaders started a search for the missing scouts. At this point they were gone for close to two hours. Mr. Keller was the first to find the scouts but decided to teach them a lesson . He concealed himself on the trail as the three weary scouts were making their way toward him. When they passed Mr. Keller he jumped out and frightened them enough that they panicked and ran all the way back to camp.

The highlight of the trip could have been the Chili dinner pre-prepared by Carol Smith. Nothing was left in the Dutch ovens, in fact the scout's bowls were literally licked clean. Had the three missing scouts not resumed when they did their portion would have been consumed.

The troop departed early Sunday morning as a new storm started to blow in. Another hour of delay and all the drivers would have been required to "chain up."

Since no snow was present on this trip the troop is think of planning another snow outing to Big Meadow or Pinecrest possibly in March. If we decide to go in March, the Moaning caverns trip will be pushed out to May, stay tuned.

Pete Godfrey

HAWK RIDGE OUTING - NOVEMBER 5 to 7, 1999

Six adult leaders and fifteen scouts departed Contempo Friday night for a two day outing at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. After arriving at the locked gate leading to the group camp site all fifteen scouts hitched up their backpacks and started down the trail to Hawk Ridge. The scouts completed a night hike approximately 1.2 miles with their equipment lead by Chris G. and Gavin M. Chris and Gavin scouted the trail the previous weekend. The adult leaders drove into camp and had peace and quite for the next 30 minutes until the scouts arrived...Pete Godfrey