Remarks at Ron Parry's Memorial, 6/26/2011

Mr. Chase's remarks at Ron Parry's Memorial:


I’d just like to take a moment to thank you all for joining Troop 2 for our observances of the 5 year anniversary of Ron Parry’s death.

A poet, Linda Ellis, presents a wonderful way of looking at the life of a person – in her poem “The Dash”, she tells us that the dash on your headstone, between your birthdate and the date of your death, represents all the days you’ll live on earth. In that time you accomplish what you may, you touch the lives of others, and you make the difference.

Ron’s dash is LOOOONG.

Ron joined Troop 2 on April 12, 1949.

He was in the troop for over 50 years. During his time as a scout he was a member of the drum corps, Order of the Arrow, Explorer Scouts, and was elected Senior Patrol Leader by his peers.

As an eligible “Good Scout” Ron accompanied Mr Pratt and other members of the troop on several of the long adventure trips during the summers between 1952 and 1954.
Ron made Eagle in 1953, and also received a Silver Eagle Palm, the Explorer Silver Award, Ad Altare Dei, and was the recipient of a “Scout of the Year” award from Old Colony Council, the Commander Gleichauf Trophy.

Ron continued to serve as a “Senior Scout”, similar to a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, , and continued his involvement in the troop during his time in the US Marine Corps, attending summer camp at Camp Child, and our first year at Cliff Island in 1957.

In the 1960’s and early 1970’s Ron served as an Assistant Scoutmaster, and when Mr. Pratt passed away in 1974 Ron took over as Scoutmaster, serving until his own death in 2006.

During his tenure as scoutmaster over 100 scouts received the Eagle rank. Ron touched the lives of thousands of people through his actions in Scouting, many of whom are here today to honor him, and served as a father figure to many. Ron taught simple lessons – do it right the first time – be a gentleman, acting respectfully – be self reliant, but never be so obstinate that you don’t ask for help.

For me, Ron was an inspiration – he managed to balance all of the challenges of scouting with the challenges of life. I recall his respect for his mother, his country, and his scouts. I hope to live up to his example in my own adult scouting experiences. I only wish he was here now so we can ask him how he did it all!

Ron – we respect your memory, and we miss you with all our hearts. Rest in Peace.

Happy Birthday Tyler

At the Blazer's game

Saco Canoe Trip - day 3 report

We woke to rain and mist, after a night of rain.  The forecast called for more rain today.  At this point everyone was willing to concede to the rain and forget the idea of any more canoeing.

 

We had a relatively lazy morning which included the rare treat of hot showers.  Everyone put together their breakfast and we started our final camp breakdown of the trip.  All the wet & sandy gear was packed into our vehicles and we were ready to head home.

The boys had a great trip and kept a great attitude for the whole trip.  We saw improvements in canoeing skills over the course of the trip and I'm sure all the boys learned a little about packing gear for wet weather.  Thanks go out to Mr Kelley and the boys and men that made the trip possible.

 A woodpecker that hung around our sight

Saco Canoe Trip - day 2 report

These are a few of the boys hanging out at the rec center

Last night was rainy and we awoke to some light scattered rain. After everyone cooked a good breakfast and packed up, we were back on the river.  The rain and mosquitos kept us company for the first hour.  At about the time the rain let up we came to the most "challenging" spot on our trip; many years ago a small bridge collapsed leaving behind some small rapids for us.  Mr Kelley coached everyone on a good path through Walker's Rip (or Walker's Falls to some) and we passed without incident.  At about the same time we spotted a large bald eagle.  The eagle stayed with us for nearly an hour, leapfrogging us down the Saco.  We made good time in the morning, even allowing for the rope swings, rapids, eagle and turtle spotting.

 The Eagle heading downriver

At lunch we were caught in downpours and with the cool weather the boys were not enjoying it.  But hot drinks and warm lunches lifted spirits.  After lunch we were entertained by the boys having wrestling matches in the river.  After everyone was ready for a little more canoeing in the rain, we headed out again.  A couple of hours later we found ourselves at the Woodland Acres Campground in Brownfield Maine.  We had left a car here at the beginning of the trip.  We debated overnighting here but the hot showers, laundry and excellent group sites (with covered eating areas) sealed the deal.

We set up camp, cooked dinner and availed ourself of the laundry dryers.  Considering the weather and distance left to travel, Mr. Kelley decided to head home after breakfast the next day.  The boys all wish we could do the complete distance but the rain has dampened enthusiasm as well as clothing.

Saco Canoe Trip - day 1 report

Here are the participants in the 2011 Saco Canoe Trip.
 

Ready to leave the Weymouth Heights Club at 9am for our three day adventure.

Putting in at Swan's Falls

We started the day a little later than planned due to traffic, so we didn't make quite the mileage we wanted. We were on the river for a little more than 2 miles before we came to our 1st rope swing.  With temps in the low eighties - this was irresistible entertainment.  All the kids had a great time here (and at the swing at mile 6 too).  The weather stayed clear all day and the boys were in great spirits. 

This is a shot of our camp for tonight. 

Our camp is located just downstream of the Old Saco on a spot now known as "Mosquito Beach". Everyone cooked a good dinner and we had a nice fire going before we started getting a bit of rain.

The forecast for the next day did not look good but we planned on making the best of whatever mother nature brought us.

More pictures below:

Observances for the 5 year anniversary of Ron Parry's Death

June 22, 2011 marks the 5 year anniversary of Ron Parry's death.

On Sunday, June 26th the 10 AM mass at Immaculate Conception will be offered in Ron's memory, and there will be a short reception at the Parish Center following the mass.

The Troop 2 Drum and Flag corps will then proceed to Fairmont Cemetery to visit Ron's grave for a brief ceremony.

We will also place a wreath on Mr. Pratt's grave, which is nearby. Mr. Pratt died on May 26, 1975, and served as scoutmaster from 1938 until 1974.

All scouts should meet at Immaculate Conception Church in the chapel, in full uniform, at 9:40 AM

Thanks to Mike Kidd, a former Troop 2 Scout, and RachelRamone Donlan, owners of the Loverocks company (www.lovecleaningrocks.com), for cleaning both Ron's and Mr. Pratt's stones this week in preparation for our observances.

Happy Birthday Devin

Camp breakfast

Pet Care Work on hold for a few weeks

The cat shelter (Pets Care) merit badge work will be suspended for the next three weeks because of scheduling conflicts during that time.

Scouts will meet again on July 10 to continue their work.

Car Wash Fundraiser Saturday June 18th

All scouts are invited and encouraged to participate in a fund raiser for Nick Chase's Eagle Project.

Where: Weymouth Heights Club, 598 North St.

Purpose: To raise money for Nick Chase’s Eagle Scout Project, which will add a new well and wash station at Valley Pines, Norwell.

When: Saturday June 18 from 10 AM to 2 PM.

What to Bring: Wear clothing and footwear that can get wet, and sunscreen.

Pizza will be served for lunch!

Camp is coming - things you should know

Some troop canoes at the Main Beach on Cliff Island

Important Dates:

• 6/27:  Scout Orientation - 7:30pm @ WHC.  All scouts must attend
• 7/9-7/11:  Troop Packing for camp 
• 7/10:  Adult Orientation - 7pm @ WHC.  All adults must attend
• 7/11:  Deadline for all paperwork and payments
• 7/16:  Camp starts
• 7/17:  Family Day at Cliff Island
• 7/24:  Camp ends

Important Info:

- A complete information packet will be sent home w/ all scouts.

- All Scouts and adults must submit new medical forms before camp starts (unless you have done so since January 2011). The Medical Form is  available at http://www.oldcolonycouncil.org/Documents/BSA%20Medical.pdf  .  We ask you to fill this out as  completely as possible, but we do not require a doctor’s  signature.

-The fee for scouts is $210/week.  Adults are $25/night (up to a max of $160).

-All adults must be in full compliance with BSA's Youth Protection and CORI requirements.

Happy Birthday Thomas

Welch Dickey Hike

Happy Birthday Jonathan H

Comedy, Music and Dancing

WEYMOUTH HEIGHTS CLUB

SPONSOR OF TROOP 2, PACK 2 AND GIRL SCOUT TROOP 74383

PRESENTS

AN EVENING OF COMEDY, MUSIC AND DANCING

Friday, September 23, 2011  7:00 - 11:00 p.m.

 

Weymouth Elks

1197 Washington Street

Weymouth, MA

COST: $20.00 per ticket

  Contact us via email to order tickets

Canoe Trip Prep - 6/13 Meeting

At last weeks meeting, Mr. Kelley focused on the equipment we need for a successful trip.  Tonight he will be speaking about planning a menu and cooking on the trip.  We also expect a special guest speaker; John Lonergan (JL) will be sharing some of his experience and knowledge with us.  JL has probably spent more time in canoes and on trails then any other active member of Troop 2.

It is not too late to sign up.

Some of the details:

Trip Date: June 22 - June 24  (we depart on the morning after the last day of school)

Trip Route: Fryeburg to Hiram Maine via Saco River.

Who can go: Scouts who have earned their Canoeing Merit Badge

Cost: $30 / Scout (due on 6/13/2011)

Scouts will be expected to pack all their own gear for the 3 days.  They will need a life vest, clothes, sleeping bag, toiletries and food.  The Troop can provide transportation and tents if necessary.  Mr Kelley has a complete detailed handout for anyone that need it.

Hiking over the years

It's a well know fact that Troop 2 was officially chartered and organized formally as a Troop on April 16, 1911, holding their first scout meeting on April 22. However, it's also important to note that they also held their first hike on May 20.

Hiking is an integral part of the scouting experience, and continues to this day. Typically we hike once or twice a year in the White Mountains, and annually over Sugarloaf at Cliff Island during summer camp, but periodically we also backpack for several days.

In a previous posting the 1930's road trip hike to the White Mountains was detailed.

Pictures below include shots from the 1970's, 1980's and later of our scouts backpacking in the mountains, and hiking at summer camp.

Canoe Trip - 3 days on the Saco

Mr Kelley is bringing back one of the great Troop 2 traditions - the Overnight Canoe Trip.  Back in the days of Mr Kelley's youth, Troop 2 would go on a week long canoe trip on the Saco River which included several portages and a sidetrip up to and across Kezar Pond.  Due to work schedules, this tradition was discontinued.  Mr. Kelley is bringing back an abbreviated version of the trip, which will put us on the river for 3 weekdays (and avoid weekend crowds).

Some of the details:

Sign Up Date:  Monday June 6

Trip Date: June 22 - June 24  (we depart on the morning after the last day of school)

Trip Route: Fryeburg to Hiram Maine via Saco River.

Who can go: Scouts who have earned their Canoeing Merit Badge

Cost: $30 / Scout

Scouts will be expected to pack all their own gear for the 3 days, life vest, including clothes, sleeping bag, toiletries and food.  The Troop can provide transportation and tents if necessary.  A more complete supply list will be distributed later.

2011 Memorial Day Parade Pictures

The Scouts had a warm day, but did great.  Thanks go out to all the boys who showed up to carry flags or be part of the Drum Corps.

20 Pictures: