This is a little different from what i usually put on this blog; not print material per se, but a response to a request for my perspective on how the day went at the Apr. 13th
Saturday Open House at Octagon
Greetings to all --
As promised, a report on the Octagon Open House last Sat., Apr. 13th, including what i saw and what i learned from other folks posted at various areas through the afternoon: Despite less than 48 hours notice in the local paper (The Advocate), almost 200 people total showed up from around central Ohio, primarily Licking County, to take the tours and share the activities at both Great Circle & Octagon areas of Newark Earthworks State Memorial.
Jim Kingery, the Newark Earthworks/Flint Ridge site manager, and a crew from the Ohio Historical Society (OHS) in Columbus set up a tent at the Octagon, which proved to be much less necessary than the forecast had indicated. About 12:30 pm the skies parted, the sun shone, and cars instead of rain poured in, broadly filling the "country club" parking lot. (The club had sent out some sort of mailing reminding members that there was no golf that day, and at least 12 of the 130+ at the Octagon said they were members; the club pro stayed at the door of the clubhouse and told three arriving golfers that they weren't golfing here today, and kudos to him for staying around to take the heat! I suspect more than the 12 were, in fact, with the club, perhaps up to 20, and i hope they learned a great deal . . . . .)
I understand that over 50 showed up at the Great Circle who didn't transit over to the Octagon, and participated in atl-atl activities and tours of that part of the memorial. At Octagon, groups of about 50 were split into two tours of a half-hour each and then swapped, both at 1 pm and 2 pm. The 3 pm group was around 25, and a few showed up toward the end and tagged along or walked the paths. Martha Otto and Brad Lepper, archaeologists out of the Columbus OHS center did most of the guided interpretation. Jim Strider, the VP for external relations, was in Chicago that day, but his second-in-command was present throughout, visited both sites, and was very happy with the turnout and level of positive interest. He seemed to indicate that this first "golf-free" date came up very suddenly in the OHS/Moundbuilder Country Club discussions, and their thought was to take it even on short notice, with more "build up" on the next few. I also get the impression that they know they inadvertently and unnecessarily upset their own site staff, archae staff, and FoM by "springing it on us all", but thought that we'd all be delighted by any golf-free days they could assemble. The intention does seem to be to target the Oct. date as one where the program/plan is done largely by Native American/Indian participants.
My own personal take was that everyone who came -- including the club members -- were delighted that the course was open, excited by the chance to get a guided tour out among the earthworks, and interested in asking questions and having them answered. A number of folks did ask the "reconstruction" question (didn't the CCC/national guard/WPA build these from the ground up?), and seemed quite accepting of the answers folks like Brad and i replied. Most appeared quite willing to return for future events and bring friends; a sign-in sheet was somewhat imperfectly offered under the tent which gleaned some addresses and e-mails for future publicity.
While i was, like everyone else, kind of surprised by the suddenness of the Apr. 13 event, i'll happily concede that every golf-free/public emphasis day at Octagon State Memorial is a good day in my book. I do think now is not too soon to start planning what should be this site's and central Ohio's biggest event for public access to a common cultural treasure, and that's the prime axis moonrise (max. northern with full phase) on or around Nov. 18, 2005. Having felt the awe and wonder of standing in "the neck" when, on a winter late afternoon, the sun was setting through haze down one end and the moon rising just off to one side of the other, i think the experience of seeing and interpreting the moonrise along the full length of the Circle & Octagon, to no doubt thousands of visitors between early October and early December of that year, will leave an impact that could dent even a country club's complacency. To start planning selective tree removal (and stopping the planting and plaques for club member planting along primary viewscapes!), determining lighting and site management for evening/nighttime visitation, as well as the general, Native American community, and science community PR work will all take every bit of the 3 years we've got -- so we can let the moon and the builders have their say, the telling that they deserve in how this site will be seen and used in the future.
Monday, April 15, 2002
Sunday, April 14, 2002
Hebron Crossroads
By Jeff Gill
When robins start building a nest on your front door wreath, you know Spring is knocking.
Actually, tapping and scratching is more what the vernal robins have been doing. We spent about a week wondering what wind currents were banging about the ornamental wicker wreath that’s been on our front door since we moved in last fall. Like many families in newer houses, the so-called front door is rarely used by visitors, let alone our family, so Joyce got a shock when she opened the door and saw a mass of straw, twigs, and mud cradled in the bottom arc of the wreath.
Right now, we’re of a mind to let Mrs. Robin be (yes, we’re those kind of people) and raise a family on our doorstep. The UPS delivery person is probably the biggest threat those prospective eggs face, but we’ll keep you posted.
Excitement out the back door, too: many folks on the west side of Hebron have seen odd lights just beyond the last houses or heard a rumbling across the rooftops carried along by the wind. Much as I’d enjoy starting some good extraterrestrial rumors during this last season of "X-files", the truth is that a gas well is being drilled these next few weeks just below the Smith house, and right behind ours. The assembly of the drilling rig and the beginning of the work has been impressive, and the view at night is reminiscent of a pre-dawn view of an Apollo gantry at Cape Canaveral getting ready for launch, with bright white lights and tiny figures bustling under giant metal structures, surrounded by ramps, catwalks, and trailers. You just have to mentally add the rocketship.
Actually, the truth is pretty dramatic. The crew is drilling down to a geologic formation 5,000 feet below, or almost a mile. As I write this, the first 400 feet of casing is going down to protect the water table, and then they’ll be drilling about two more weeks. From the perspective of an almost four-year-old boy, seeing this directly out his bedroom window is way cool; I mean Chris, not me.
The forsythia is finally in full bloom, in a yellow that nicely complements the many "We paid for this sign, and we will pay for Lakewood Yes!" signs that are blossoming around the area. May 7 is an election day, and in many ways more important than folks realize, as the primary contests directly shape the better publicized general elections. "The Music Man" just wrapping up at Lakewood High, the soccer leagues busting out all over, and the service projects by young people like Dan Osborne of Troop 33 out at Dawes, all show how young people contribute to our community in many ways, and all well worth supporting.
Speaking of Dawes Arboretum, you no doubt know that Arbor Day is April 26 this year in Ohio (you did, didn’t you?), and on Saturday the 27th we’ll see events all day on the grounds of our own piece of Arbor Day history. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day, dedicated one of the trees at Dawes back in 1927, and his vision was one of the streams of inspiration that watered Beman and Bertie Dawes’ work that brought us the arboretum.
From 10 am on through the afternoon there will be wagon tours of the grounds with a narration telling these and other stories about local history and the natural world, and your intrepid correspondent will be one of the wagoneers. We all tell the truth, mostly.
For the more adventurous, tree climbers and chain saws, workshops and entertainment will round out the day. The first 250 families through the gates will get a tree to plant at home, so come early!
The next day, April 28, is the St. Jude Children’s Hospital Bike-a-thon at Evans Park; Glenna Jones of Clay’s Café is co-ordinating this event from 1 to 3 pm. They hope to raise $1000 for this very worthwhile charity, and if Daphne Cable can get in 2000 miles I’ll have to meet that goal personally. If you’d like to participate or contribute, call Glenna at 928-3739, or just tell ‘em while you order a stromboli.
While we’re looking at our calendars down the road, mark 7 am on May 3 for the annual Full Pool Breakfast. I’d better check with Jimmy to see who’s going to cover this story, but as a member of the Greater Buckeye Lake Chamber of Commerce, I’ve enjoyed attending this event the last few years and meeting many other community leaders . . . plus George Pugh usually asks me to do the invocation.
One way or another you’ll hear more about this event, since Sam Speck, the head of Ohio Department of Natural Resources, will be our guest speaker. No word on the status of the "pool" on what the level of Buckeye Lake is on May 3. That sounds like a job for my colleague Jimmy! George and members of the Chamber can sell you tickets for the meal and program, which is at the Buckeye Lake Yacht Club. Nancy Dix of Hebron (remember, Harbor Hills is a Hebron address!) will have some special presentations; Nancy is also one of the newest members of the Ohio Historical Society board of trustees, and congratulations to her on that new and important responsibility.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and a proud member of the Greater Buckeye Lake Chamber of Commerce; if you have new commerce to promote or other worthwhile news, call him at 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
By Jeff Gill
When robins start building a nest on your front door wreath, you know Spring is knocking.
Actually, tapping and scratching is more what the vernal robins have been doing. We spent about a week wondering what wind currents were banging about the ornamental wicker wreath that’s been on our front door since we moved in last fall. Like many families in newer houses, the so-called front door is rarely used by visitors, let alone our family, so Joyce got a shock when she opened the door and saw a mass of straw, twigs, and mud cradled in the bottom arc of the wreath.
Right now, we’re of a mind to let Mrs. Robin be (yes, we’re those kind of people) and raise a family on our doorstep. The UPS delivery person is probably the biggest threat those prospective eggs face, but we’ll keep you posted.
Excitement out the back door, too: many folks on the west side of Hebron have seen odd lights just beyond the last houses or heard a rumbling across the rooftops carried along by the wind. Much as I’d enjoy starting some good extraterrestrial rumors during this last season of "X-files", the truth is that a gas well is being drilled these next few weeks just below the Smith house, and right behind ours. The assembly of the drilling rig and the beginning of the work has been impressive, and the view at night is reminiscent of a pre-dawn view of an Apollo gantry at Cape Canaveral getting ready for launch, with bright white lights and tiny figures bustling under giant metal structures, surrounded by ramps, catwalks, and trailers. You just have to mentally add the rocketship.
Actually, the truth is pretty dramatic. The crew is drilling down to a geologic formation 5,000 feet below, or almost a mile. As I write this, the first 400 feet of casing is going down to protect the water table, and then they’ll be drilling about two more weeks. From the perspective of an almost four-year-old boy, seeing this directly out his bedroom window is way cool; I mean Chris, not me.
The forsythia is finally in full bloom, in a yellow that nicely complements the many "We paid for this sign, and we will pay for Lakewood Yes!" signs that are blossoming around the area. May 7 is an election day, and in many ways more important than folks realize, as the primary contests directly shape the better publicized general elections. "The Music Man" just wrapping up at Lakewood High, the soccer leagues busting out all over, and the service projects by young people like Dan Osborne of Troop 33 out at Dawes, all show how young people contribute to our community in many ways, and all well worth supporting.
Speaking of Dawes Arboretum, you no doubt know that Arbor Day is April 26 this year in Ohio (you did, didn’t you?), and on Saturday the 27th we’ll see events all day on the grounds of our own piece of Arbor Day history. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day, dedicated one of the trees at Dawes back in 1927, and his vision was one of the streams of inspiration that watered Beman and Bertie Dawes’ work that brought us the arboretum.
From 10 am on through the afternoon there will be wagon tours of the grounds with a narration telling these and other stories about local history and the natural world, and your intrepid correspondent will be one of the wagoneers. We all tell the truth, mostly.
For the more adventurous, tree climbers and chain saws, workshops and entertainment will round out the day. The first 250 families through the gates will get a tree to plant at home, so come early!
The next day, April 28, is the St. Jude Children’s Hospital Bike-a-thon at Evans Park; Glenna Jones of Clay’s Café is co-ordinating this event from 1 to 3 pm. They hope to raise $1000 for this very worthwhile charity, and if Daphne Cable can get in 2000 miles I’ll have to meet that goal personally. If you’d like to participate or contribute, call Glenna at 928-3739, or just tell ‘em while you order a stromboli.
While we’re looking at our calendars down the road, mark 7 am on May 3 for the annual Full Pool Breakfast. I’d better check with Jimmy to see who’s going to cover this story, but as a member of the Greater Buckeye Lake Chamber of Commerce, I’ve enjoyed attending this event the last few years and meeting many other community leaders . . . plus George Pugh usually asks me to do the invocation.
One way or another you’ll hear more about this event, since Sam Speck, the head of Ohio Department of Natural Resources, will be our guest speaker. No word on the status of the "pool" on what the level of Buckeye Lake is on May 3. That sounds like a job for my colleague Jimmy! George and members of the Chamber can sell you tickets for the meal and program, which is at the Buckeye Lake Yacht Club. Nancy Dix of Hebron (remember, Harbor Hills is a Hebron address!) will have some special presentations; Nancy is also one of the newest members of the Ohio Historical Society board of trustees, and congratulations to her on that new and important responsibility.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and a proud member of the Greater Buckeye Lake Chamber of Commerce; if you have new commerce to promote or other worthwhile news, call him at 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
Commissioner’s Corner
By Jeff Gill, District Commish
Thanks to the thirty-plus unit leaders who attended both Steve Hoar’s brainstorming session for the district, and just as significantly at the Youth Protection Training (YPT) after lunch. Steve Crissinger, our new District Director, is off this week at a long-scheduled training week in Irving, Texas, and will find out the official word on a number of questions, from our hope that the "high adventure" age will be lowered to 13 from 14 (where it stands currently), to what the desired cycle on adult YPT is.
Current signals are mixed, but we expect to provide regular "full training" in youth protection on a biannual basis, and to offer a refresher at events like camporees and one of the roundtables for those who’ve had the complete YPT within the last few years.
Anyone who reads the paper (on wood pulp, on-line, however) knows that child sexual abuse is on people’s minds and in public discussions again. Thanks for all the positive feedback both on my piece in The Advocate (click http://www.newarkadvocate.com/news/stories/20020405/opinion/75837.html) and for the energy and attention as Jim Francis and I got to work with so many of you at Falling Rock. If you have more questions about youth protection in Scouting or any other youth organization you serve, e-mail me at disciple@voyager.net anytime!
* * * * * * *
Commissioner’s Corner
By Jeff Gill, District Commish
"Three snows after the forsythia blooms" is what I grew up with; many of you know folk wisdom and woods lore about weather, planting, and gardening that holds up well to scientific scrutiny.
Have you ever thought about a troop or pack project of gathering those nuggets together from the family members and neighbors of your Scouts? The noted "Foxfire" series of books started just that simply. Springtime is one of the times of year that folks are thinking about those things – from "Spring forward, fall back" to "green skies, barn flies!"
There are many advancement awards in both Cubbing and Scouting that this kind of project fulfills, from Showman to Citizenship in the Community, from service project hours to leadership posts. Let me know what obscure wise words you learn if you try this, and send them to disciple@voyager.net and I’ll print ‘em!
* * * * * * *
Commissioner’s Corner
By Jeff Gill, District Commish
Have you colored in your patrol mascot, or x’ed all the squares, or checked off the boxes toward summer camp fees?
Many Scout troop use a troop bank approach to paying for summer camp, with credits marked in from product sales or troop activities by the troop treasurer, and payments added across many weeks or months by the Scout himself. Five dollars a week from January through May adds up to $100, but $5 at a time is a whole lot easier than bringing in the $100 all at once! Even starting now, $20 a week for four weeks is more manageable for most families.
Of course, the other reason for this approach is that money paid in the winter will help maintain commitment in the spring and anchor the choice to the summer. When a last-minute invite to Cedar Point for a day the week of camp terminates a registration, odds are the level of felt commitment wasn’t what it could have been. Help your Scouts start anticipating camp as a can’t miss event! If you’re looking for ideas to promote summer camp, e-mail me at disciple@voyager.net, or send me the ideas you’ve seen work.
* * * * * * *
Commissioner’s Corner
By Jeff Gill, District Commish
Warm weather and the onset of daylight lasting past the meeting time of your unit always makes me think of the first packing demo leading up to camp.
Even Cubs getting psyched for Day Camp can participate (June 13-15!). Just don’t do it yourself! Find a youth who’s been to camp and who has a good sense of their gear, and let them come early and lay out on a groundcloth their contents. Ideally, your PLC and/or SPL will pick out this person, but whoever it is, resist the temptation to improve on their presentation – at least at first. One good idea about what to bring, what not to bring, or how to pack it, will last longer in the other scouts’ memories than 15 great ideas from you.
I’ve listened to dozens of packing demos, and can honestly say I’ve never heard one that I haven’t learned *something* from. Listen, learn, and then teach the critical elements you believe were missed or underemphasized. I’m betting there won’t be that much left to say! If you learn something really great, let me know at disciple@voyager.net.
* * * * * * *
Commissioner’s Corner
By Jeff Gill, District Commish
Last week we were thinking about the senior scout leading the packing demo as you get set for camp. The obvious – but deadly ;-) – next step is to have everyone bring their packs next meeting for layout and review.
This really can be a helpful program, and as long as the kids don’t start channelling my old platoon sergeant (that’s why we don’t call it an inspection), everyone learns stuff in your parking lot or church basement that they’d really rather not learn on a rainy Sunday night in a muddy campsite setting.
A fun and success-building addition: have the adults going to camp bring their packs, too. Ideally, they’ll speak silently of how to do a neat, efficient, pared-down collection of gear. Realistically, adults procrastinate just like the kids do, and need that prod so we don’t bring a ton of un-needed stuff either. And the carefully not-so-well-hidden teddy bear in the scoutmaster’s pack makes a nice touch . . .
Contact me at disciple@voyager.net
* * * * * * *
By Jeff Gill, District Commish
Thanks to the thirty-plus unit leaders who attended both Steve Hoar’s brainstorming session for the district, and just as significantly at the Youth Protection Training (YPT) after lunch. Steve Crissinger, our new District Director, is off this week at a long-scheduled training week in Irving, Texas, and will find out the official word on a number of questions, from our hope that the "high adventure" age will be lowered to 13 from 14 (where it stands currently), to what the desired cycle on adult YPT is.
Current signals are mixed, but we expect to provide regular "full training" in youth protection on a biannual basis, and to offer a refresher at events like camporees and one of the roundtables for those who’ve had the complete YPT within the last few years.
Anyone who reads the paper (on wood pulp, on-line, however) knows that child sexual abuse is on people’s minds and in public discussions again. Thanks for all the positive feedback both on my piece in The Advocate (click http://www.newarkadvocate.com/news/stories/20020405/opinion/75837.html) and for the energy and attention as Jim Francis and I got to work with so many of you at Falling Rock. If you have more questions about youth protection in Scouting or any other youth organization you serve, e-mail me at disciple@voyager.net anytime!
* * * * * * *
Commissioner’s Corner
By Jeff Gill, District Commish
"Three snows after the forsythia blooms" is what I grew up with; many of you know folk wisdom and woods lore about weather, planting, and gardening that holds up well to scientific scrutiny.
Have you ever thought about a troop or pack project of gathering those nuggets together from the family members and neighbors of your Scouts? The noted "Foxfire" series of books started just that simply. Springtime is one of the times of year that folks are thinking about those things – from "Spring forward, fall back" to "green skies, barn flies!"
There are many advancement awards in both Cubbing and Scouting that this kind of project fulfills, from Showman to Citizenship in the Community, from service project hours to leadership posts. Let me know what obscure wise words you learn if you try this, and send them to disciple@voyager.net and I’ll print ‘em!
* * * * * * *
Commissioner’s Corner
By Jeff Gill, District Commish
Have you colored in your patrol mascot, or x’ed all the squares, or checked off the boxes toward summer camp fees?
Many Scout troop use a troop bank approach to paying for summer camp, with credits marked in from product sales or troop activities by the troop treasurer, and payments added across many weeks or months by the Scout himself. Five dollars a week from January through May adds up to $100, but $5 at a time is a whole lot easier than bringing in the $100 all at once! Even starting now, $20 a week for four weeks is more manageable for most families.
Of course, the other reason for this approach is that money paid in the winter will help maintain commitment in the spring and anchor the choice to the summer. When a last-minute invite to Cedar Point for a day the week of camp terminates a registration, odds are the level of felt commitment wasn’t what it could have been. Help your Scouts start anticipating camp as a can’t miss event! If you’re looking for ideas to promote summer camp, e-mail me at disciple@voyager.net, or send me the ideas you’ve seen work.
* * * * * * *
Commissioner’s Corner
By Jeff Gill, District Commish
Warm weather and the onset of daylight lasting past the meeting time of your unit always makes me think of the first packing demo leading up to camp.
Even Cubs getting psyched for Day Camp can participate (June 13-15!). Just don’t do it yourself! Find a youth who’s been to camp and who has a good sense of their gear, and let them come early and lay out on a groundcloth their contents. Ideally, your PLC and/or SPL will pick out this person, but whoever it is, resist the temptation to improve on their presentation – at least at first. One good idea about what to bring, what not to bring, or how to pack it, will last longer in the other scouts’ memories than 15 great ideas from you.
I’ve listened to dozens of packing demos, and can honestly say I’ve never heard one that I haven’t learned *something* from. Listen, learn, and then teach the critical elements you believe were missed or underemphasized. I’m betting there won’t be that much left to say! If you learn something really great, let me know at disciple@voyager.net.
* * * * * * *
Commissioner’s Corner
By Jeff Gill, District Commish
Last week we were thinking about the senior scout leading the packing demo as you get set for camp. The obvious – but deadly ;-) – next step is to have everyone bring their packs next meeting for layout and review.
This really can be a helpful program, and as long as the kids don’t start channelling my old platoon sergeant (that’s why we don’t call it an inspection), everyone learns stuff in your parking lot or church basement that they’d really rather not learn on a rainy Sunday night in a muddy campsite setting.
A fun and success-building addition: have the adults going to camp bring their packs, too. Ideally, they’ll speak silently of how to do a neat, efficient, pared-down collection of gear. Realistically, adults procrastinate just like the kids do, and need that prod so we don’t bring a ton of un-needed stuff either. And the carefully not-so-well-hidden teddy bear in the scoutmaster’s pack makes a nice touch . . .
Contact me at disciple@voyager.net
* * * * * * *
Monday, April 08, 2002
Hebron Crossroads
By Jeff Gill
If you didn’t get around to half a dozen churches on Easter Sunday to hear different choirs sing their anthems (I know I didn’t), St. John’s Lutheran Church on Linnville Road has a deal for you.
This Sunday, April 14, at 3 pm, a number of area church choirs will each perform a few selections that they had prepared for the Easter season. In the way of such things, many weeks of rehearsal culminate in one, maybe two performances at most, and then the calendar moves on. This Choir Fest is intended to give choirs a chance to share their hard work and skill one more time in front of a wider audience.
All are welcome to attend and simply enjoy the music; choirs from the Jacksontown, Hebron, and Buckeye Lake area have been invited to participate and refreshments will follow.
Next weekend, musical skills will be on display in River City, Iowa, which will occupy the Lakewood High School stage April 19, 20, and 21. There’s trouble coming to River City, and that’s trouble that starts with "T" which rhymes with "P" and that stands for Plenty of Talent presenting "The Music Man." Meredith Willson’s musical is much beloved from many stage performances including a movie version and a recent Broadway revival, but there’s nothing to match a live performance filled with familiar faces(isn’t that right Dean, Julie, Jana?).
At 7:00 pm Friday and Saturday, and 3:00 pm Sunday, a quality performance is available for just $6 (other discounts available). When you can pay more than that for a bad movie, even at the video store, and five times that for a live concert at Polaris, not to mention what seeing such a show on Broadway would cost, you just can’t afford to miss this.
Plus, parking at Lakewood High is much easier than around 42nd and Broadway in New York . . .
You may not be the sort to read legal notices in the paper, and if so I commend you, but did you see the bid notice for inspecting and cleaning the sewer system for Hebron? There are three miles of sewer line in our town! Now that could be trouble in River City. It makes sense when you think about it, but how often would you think about it? What is even more amazing is that they can do most of the work with little cameras and remote viewing, kind of like a municipal colonoscopy, and we all know how much fun those can be.
And in terms of our civic infrastructure, we’re less than a month away from the Lakewood Schools levy on the ballot May 7. The current plan is to stretch the request for funds from property taxes over five years instead of three, and among other things that will allow the return of all-day kindergarten and busing for the high school next year, along with rolling back pay-to-participate.
Our area needs good schools in the same way Hebron needs a safe reliable water and sewer system with room for expansion: we make use of and benefit from them everyday even when we’re not aware of them. Our police and fire, streets and safety functions are not necessarily parts of our life that we come into contact with every day, but we count on them doing their jobs and doing them well all the time. With or without kids in school, the Lakewood School District is serving you all the time.
If you’re still not sure how, come see "The Music Man" and have your heart lifted by some of your community’s youth, and leave humming "76 Trombones!" Keeping them out of the pool halls is just a bit of what our school system is so successfully doing.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and grew up not far from Gary, Indiana; if you’d like to sing something in his ear about local happenings, tell him at one of "The Music Man" performances or call 928-4066, or e-mail disciple@voyager.net
By Jeff Gill
If you didn’t get around to half a dozen churches on Easter Sunday to hear different choirs sing their anthems (I know I didn’t), St. John’s Lutheran Church on Linnville Road has a deal for you.
This Sunday, April 14, at 3 pm, a number of area church choirs will each perform a few selections that they had prepared for the Easter season. In the way of such things, many weeks of rehearsal culminate in one, maybe two performances at most, and then the calendar moves on. This Choir Fest is intended to give choirs a chance to share their hard work and skill one more time in front of a wider audience.
All are welcome to attend and simply enjoy the music; choirs from the Jacksontown, Hebron, and Buckeye Lake area have been invited to participate and refreshments will follow.
Next weekend, musical skills will be on display in River City, Iowa, which will occupy the Lakewood High School stage April 19, 20, and 21. There’s trouble coming to River City, and that’s trouble that starts with "T" which rhymes with "P" and that stands for Plenty of Talent presenting "The Music Man." Meredith Willson’s musical is much beloved from many stage performances including a movie version and a recent Broadway revival, but there’s nothing to match a live performance filled with familiar faces(isn’t that right Dean, Julie, Jana?).
At 7:00 pm Friday and Saturday, and 3:00 pm Sunday, a quality performance is available for just $6 (other discounts available). When you can pay more than that for a bad movie, even at the video store, and five times that for a live concert at Polaris, not to mention what seeing such a show on Broadway would cost, you just can’t afford to miss this.
Plus, parking at Lakewood High is much easier than around 42nd and Broadway in New York . . .
You may not be the sort to read legal notices in the paper, and if so I commend you, but did you see the bid notice for inspecting and cleaning the sewer system for Hebron? There are three miles of sewer line in our town! Now that could be trouble in River City. It makes sense when you think about it, but how often would you think about it? What is even more amazing is that they can do most of the work with little cameras and remote viewing, kind of like a municipal colonoscopy, and we all know how much fun those can be.
And in terms of our civic infrastructure, we’re less than a month away from the Lakewood Schools levy on the ballot May 7. The current plan is to stretch the request for funds from property taxes over five years instead of three, and among other things that will allow the return of all-day kindergarten and busing for the high school next year, along with rolling back pay-to-participate.
Our area needs good schools in the same way Hebron needs a safe reliable water and sewer system with room for expansion: we make use of and benefit from them everyday even when we’re not aware of them. Our police and fire, streets and safety functions are not necessarily parts of our life that we come into contact with every day, but we count on them doing their jobs and doing them well all the time. With or without kids in school, the Lakewood School District is serving you all the time.
If you’re still not sure how, come see "The Music Man" and have your heart lifted by some of your community’s youth, and leave humming "76 Trombones!" Keeping them out of the pool halls is just a bit of what our school system is so successfully doing.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and grew up not far from Gary, Indiana; if you’d like to sing something in his ear about local happenings, tell him at one of "The Music Man" performances or call 928-4066, or e-mail disciple@voyager.net
Churches can take steps to ensure child safety
Guest column -- Newark Advocate, 5 April 2002
Child safety and child abuse by responsible adults is a topic suddenly splashed across the news. The issue is not new, but our willingness as a society to discuss it openly is a recent development. Whether in child care settings, church activities, or youth programming, parents and guardians recognize the need to ensure their child’s safety, and that may be one good that can come out of the tragedies that have gotten so much attention in recent weeks.
How can we guarantee that children are safe from abuse or molestation? Answers are not hard to find once we admit that the problem exists and that we must take active steps to stop it. Denial has been a silent ally of child predators. Openness on the issue disarms them. Openness also helps in circumstances of false accusations, which do sometimes occur.
Since the early 1980’s, the Boy Scouts of America has a "two deep leadership" policy. In brief, at no time is a single adult alone or solely responsible with children. Initially, some scouters resisted this policy, arguing that one-on-one interactions were important to mentoring and directing youth development.
But adults quickly realized that much more was gained than lost in using "two deep leadership" as an absolute requirement. Counseling was often enhanced by two adults responding to a youth’s questions. "Two deep" applied equally to everyone, so no adult leader need be offended by the policy. When an outing was planned, backup was now a requirement – "we’re just not going without another adult with us." And there was no room for a "my word versus the child’s word" situation if an accusation was made.
The other key element in"Youth Protection" is requiring two references. Background checks, which can cost up to $50 a person, are relatively ineffective. Even most well-founded accusations never have charges filed, let alone a conviction, as families hesitate to put their child (or themselves) through the legal system. But the average "problem adult" is often so un-self-aware that they don’t realize what their references will reveal about their last situation working with youth. Background checks rarely catch even long-term molesters, while references often do . . . if you call them, which of course is the last necessary step.
As a pastor as well as a scouter, I am chagrined at how rarely churches take such basic steps. These are two techniques that can be done by any organization, and have the potential to do immense good. On the other hand, neglecting these simple measures can result in incalculable harm.
There is no obvious sign for those who would harm our children. All of us who have worked extensively with youth programs have our own stories: both of the ones we caught and acted against, and the ones where we had no idea until it was too late. It is the latter that haunt us, and keep us vigilant. More eyes, more awareness, more willingness to confront inappropriate behavior, and a refusal to live in denial over the problem can get our entire communities to a place where predators can find no space to operate, and where kids can find a truly safe place to play and grow.
Rev. Jeff Gill
Pastor, Hebron Christian Church,
Church camp director, and
Dist. Commissioner, Licking District BSA
Guest column -- Newark Advocate, 5 April 2002
Child safety and child abuse by responsible adults is a topic suddenly splashed across the news. The issue is not new, but our willingness as a society to discuss it openly is a recent development. Whether in child care settings, church activities, or youth programming, parents and guardians recognize the need to ensure their child’s safety, and that may be one good that can come out of the tragedies that have gotten so much attention in recent weeks.
How can we guarantee that children are safe from abuse or molestation? Answers are not hard to find once we admit that the problem exists and that we must take active steps to stop it. Denial has been a silent ally of child predators. Openness on the issue disarms them. Openness also helps in circumstances of false accusations, which do sometimes occur.
Since the early 1980’s, the Boy Scouts of America has a "two deep leadership" policy. In brief, at no time is a single adult alone or solely responsible with children. Initially, some scouters resisted this policy, arguing that one-on-one interactions were important to mentoring and directing youth development.
But adults quickly realized that much more was gained than lost in using "two deep leadership" as an absolute requirement. Counseling was often enhanced by two adults responding to a youth’s questions. "Two deep" applied equally to everyone, so no adult leader need be offended by the policy. When an outing was planned, backup was now a requirement – "we’re just not going without another adult with us." And there was no room for a "my word versus the child’s word" situation if an accusation was made.
The other key element in"Youth Protection" is requiring two references. Background checks, which can cost up to $50 a person, are relatively ineffective. Even most well-founded accusations never have charges filed, let alone a conviction, as families hesitate to put their child (or themselves) through the legal system. But the average "problem adult" is often so un-self-aware that they don’t realize what their references will reveal about their last situation working with youth. Background checks rarely catch even long-term molesters, while references often do . . . if you call them, which of course is the last necessary step.
As a pastor as well as a scouter, I am chagrined at how rarely churches take such basic steps. These are two techniques that can be done by any organization, and have the potential to do immense good. On the other hand, neglecting these simple measures can result in incalculable harm.
There is no obvious sign for those who would harm our children. All of us who have worked extensively with youth programs have our own stories: both of the ones we caught and acted against, and the ones where we had no idea until it was too late. It is the latter that haunt us, and keep us vigilant. More eyes, more awareness, more willingness to confront inappropriate behavior, and a refusal to live in denial over the problem can get our entire communities to a place where predators can find no space to operate, and where kids can find a truly safe place to play and grow.
Rev. Jeff Gill
Pastor, Hebron Christian Church,
Church camp director, and
Dist. Commissioner, Licking District BSA
Monday, April 01, 2002
Hebron Crossroads
by Jeff Gill
This is time change weekend, and firefighters everywhere would like to
encourage families to use the occasion to save lives.
When we use Saturday evening to meander around the house tracking down
every coffee pot, CD player, bedside clock/radio, and automatic cat
food dispenser that has a time readout on it, along with setting them
all one hour forward, we can make sure that the smoke detector on each
floor has a fresh battery. How often does the news story of a family
losing their home to a fire include the words "the smoke detectors in
the house did not function due to dead batteries." Or worse, the
batteries were taken out.
Your carbon monoxide detectors may be wall plug devices, or they may
also need new batteries with time-change-time. No CO detector in your
house, you say? That's a very worthwhile addition to your household
health and safety equipment as well. Just like a first aid kid and an
evacuation plan for where to go if a fire breaks out in your home, a
CO detector can save lives, or at the very least brain cells! A number
of families in just the last couple years have had close calls in the
Hebron area, and we don't need any more newspaper stories like that .
. . at least I don't want to write them.
Tornado season is starting up in the Midwest this month, with cold air
masses still sliding down from the north and hitting the warmer,
moister air billowing up out of the south. A battery powered radio
would be very helpful in that household preparedness pile. Do not,
repeat do not count on the Booster for tornado warnings: this is a
great publication, but we cover the aftermath of severe weather a
whole lot better than we predict it! What we can do is help you get
prepared adequately for the storms and situations we know will come,
even if we can't tell you when.
And finally, my neighbor Mike Halter of Action Pest Control reminds me
that it is "swarm season," and that termites devastate more houses
than tornados do each year. So check your home this "time change"
weekend, and let it be a bi-annual reminder to change batteries, stock
up supplies, go over plans, and be ready for the unpredictable.
Oh, and set your clocks forward an hour, too.
Last weekend after the Easter Sunrise service at Dawes, my family
enjoyed the Nelson Workhaven Memorial Breakfast at Hebron United
Methodist. There was locally made maple syrup, bacon from Hebron area
hogs, and the corn meal mush was local if you count our old friend Bob
Evans from Rio Grande, Ohio. I know the Cable Farms offerings of
chickens, turkeys, and sausage are catching on as people as seeing the
advantage to eating locally grown, raised, and processed foods (give
'em a call!), and my grandmother always spoke highly of the importance
of eating honey that was locally produced because of the benefits of
getting the pollen and plant content of honey from your own area. She
claimed it helped keep allergies and other breathing problems to a
minimum, and who am I to doubt my grandma? Perhaps some local
"apiculturists" could drop me a line about their work and where their
honey is available. There are plenty of their white, boxy hives
visible along field edges around Licking County.
Local talent is certainly worth supporting down at Lakewood High
School. You'll hear more about this next week, but don't forget that
you need to go see "The Music Man" April 19, 20, and 21. Talented
youth of all ages are involved in this show, from Jackson and Hebron
Elementaries right up through the high school. For $6 you can see a
show that would cost you $60 in NYC, and that from the third balcony.
If you think I'm exaggerating a bit, I can honestly say that last
year, "Guys and Dolls" was every bit as enjoyable as when I saw the
same show with Nathan Lane and Faith Prince on Broadway, and this
year's production will be no less delightful. See you at the show . .
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and a fan of preparedness
since his Boy Scout days; if you have a safety tip or news to share, call
928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
by Jeff Gill
This is time change weekend, and firefighters everywhere would like to
encourage families to use the occasion to save lives.
When we use Saturday evening to meander around the house tracking down
every coffee pot, CD player, bedside clock/radio, and automatic cat
food dispenser that has a time readout on it, along with setting them
all one hour forward, we can make sure that the smoke detector on each
floor has a fresh battery. How often does the news story of a family
losing their home to a fire include the words "the smoke detectors in
the house did not function due to dead batteries." Or worse, the
batteries were taken out.
Your carbon monoxide detectors may be wall plug devices, or they may
also need new batteries with time-change-time. No CO detector in your
house, you say? That's a very worthwhile addition to your household
health and safety equipment as well. Just like a first aid kid and an
evacuation plan for where to go if a fire breaks out in your home, a
CO detector can save lives, or at the very least brain cells! A number
of families in just the last couple years have had close calls in the
Hebron area, and we don't need any more newspaper stories like that .
. . at least I don't want to write them.
Tornado season is starting up in the Midwest this month, with cold air
masses still sliding down from the north and hitting the warmer,
moister air billowing up out of the south. A battery powered radio
would be very helpful in that household preparedness pile. Do not,
repeat do not count on the Booster for tornado warnings: this is a
great publication, but we cover the aftermath of severe weather a
whole lot better than we predict it! What we can do is help you get
prepared adequately for the storms and situations we know will come,
even if we can't tell you when.
And finally, my neighbor Mike Halter of Action Pest Control reminds me
that it is "swarm season," and that termites devastate more houses
than tornados do each year. So check your home this "time change"
weekend, and let it be a bi-annual reminder to change batteries, stock
up supplies, go over plans, and be ready for the unpredictable.
Oh, and set your clocks forward an hour, too.
Last weekend after the Easter Sunrise service at Dawes, my family
enjoyed the Nelson Workhaven Memorial Breakfast at Hebron United
Methodist. There was locally made maple syrup, bacon from Hebron area
hogs, and the corn meal mush was local if you count our old friend Bob
Evans from Rio Grande, Ohio. I know the Cable Farms offerings of
chickens, turkeys, and sausage are catching on as people as seeing the
advantage to eating locally grown, raised, and processed foods (give
'em a call!), and my grandmother always spoke highly of the importance
of eating honey that was locally produced because of the benefits of
getting the pollen and plant content of honey from your own area. She
claimed it helped keep allergies and other breathing problems to a
minimum, and who am I to doubt my grandma? Perhaps some local
"apiculturists" could drop me a line about their work and where their
honey is available. There are plenty of their white, boxy hives
visible along field edges around Licking County.
Local talent is certainly worth supporting down at Lakewood High
School. You'll hear more about this next week, but don't forget that
you need to go see "The Music Man" April 19, 20, and 21. Talented
youth of all ages are involved in this show, from Jackson and Hebron
Elementaries right up through the high school. For $6 you can see a
show that would cost you $60 in NYC, and that from the third balcony.
If you think I'm exaggerating a bit, I can honestly say that last
year, "Guys and Dolls" was every bit as enjoyable as when I saw the
same show with Nathan Lane and Faith Prince on Broadway, and this
year's production will be no less delightful. See you at the show . .
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and a fan of preparedness
since his Boy Scout days; if you have a safety tip or news to share, call
928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Notes From My Knapsack
Opening Day for major league baseball is April 1st -- really, no foolin'! Some say the true first day of spring is the first "crack" of the bat down in Cincinnati, and never mind the robins.
Out at Evans Park, we hear the "ping" of aluminum bats as youth baseball gets underway. I have to admit that this particular sound will probably always grate a bit on my ear, and a part of me says "that's not real baseball." That's silly, of course, because the bases are still run, the pitchers still pitch, and the genuine imitation leather polystyrene laces on the gloves still glint as infielders chant "hey battah, battah, hey battah battah, swing." The ball is made with space age inner core material, but the grass is still green (where it's not brown) and the chalk lines are laid down with a chunka-chunka machine that rolls from the batter's box to first base and on out to infinity.
So, some things change, some things stay the same, and we have to decide what's the core meaning that doesn't change: sportsmanship, practice, hustle, teamwork. With our 135th anniversary celebration on Palm Sunday, we looked at the original communion service glinting behind the newer plates and trays; the flagon, the single chalice, the two bread trays telling their own story as we shared some of our more recent tales, including Gabriella's and Autumn's as they were dedicated by their families during the service. Some new things we celebrate -- new babies, new ways of doing things -- and some we don't, like aluminum bats.
We'd never toss aside that old communion set, but I doubt that anyone during the last 100 years has missed sipping communion from a common cup. That change was one everyone agreed was good! As Doris Cordray affirmed after church, David Ford is playing only our third organ, "but there was some discussion over that first one." And there will be no end to our discussions over what to play on our harmoniums, our organs, or our electronic MIDI-enabled sythesizers.
But there was something so fitting when a battle-scarred old piano migrated from the Mason's former home to the parsonage/ed building on our celebration weekend. From the Clays to the Slaters to the Masons (and some stops before the Clays?), and now as a resource for Sunday School classes, something quite old has a continuing value.
Not as an artifact, but as a tool for ministry to share the Good News of God's Love. May we all find newness of life this Easter season, from Romans 6:4 to even the "ping" of a line drive deep to right field!
In Grace and Peace, Pastor Jeff
Opening Day for major league baseball is April 1st -- really, no foolin'! Some say the true first day of spring is the first "crack" of the bat down in Cincinnati, and never mind the robins.
Out at Evans Park, we hear the "ping" of aluminum bats as youth baseball gets underway. I have to admit that this particular sound will probably always grate a bit on my ear, and a part of me says "that's not real baseball." That's silly, of course, because the bases are still run, the pitchers still pitch, and the genuine imitation leather polystyrene laces on the gloves still glint as infielders chant "hey battah, battah, hey battah battah, swing." The ball is made with space age inner core material, but the grass is still green (where it's not brown) and the chalk lines are laid down with a chunka-chunka machine that rolls from the batter's box to first base and on out to infinity.
So, some things change, some things stay the same, and we have to decide what's the core meaning that doesn't change: sportsmanship, practice, hustle, teamwork. With our 135th anniversary celebration on Palm Sunday, we looked at the original communion service glinting behind the newer plates and trays; the flagon, the single chalice, the two bread trays telling their own story as we shared some of our more recent tales, including Gabriella's and Autumn's as they were dedicated by their families during the service. Some new things we celebrate -- new babies, new ways of doing things -- and some we don't, like aluminum bats.
We'd never toss aside that old communion set, but I doubt that anyone during the last 100 years has missed sipping communion from a common cup. That change was one everyone agreed was good! As Doris Cordray affirmed after church, David Ford is playing only our third organ, "but there was some discussion over that first one." And there will be no end to our discussions over what to play on our harmoniums, our organs, or our electronic MIDI-enabled sythesizers.
But there was something so fitting when a battle-scarred old piano migrated from the Mason's former home to the parsonage/ed building on our celebration weekend. From the Clays to the Slaters to the Masons (and some stops before the Clays?), and now as a resource for Sunday School classes, something quite old has a continuing value.
Not as an artifact, but as a tool for ministry to share the Good News of God's Love. May we all find newness of life this Easter season, from Romans 6:4 to even the "ping" of a line drive deep to right field!
In Grace and Peace, Pastor Jeff
Tuesday, March 26, 2002
. . . and when the editor said, "i like it, now cut 265 wds.," here's what Joyce's genius for editing accomplished:
Child Safety and Abuse
Reader's Write -- Newark Advocate
Child safety and child abuse by responsible adults is a topic suddenly splashed across the news. The issue is not new, but our willingness as a society to discuss it openly is a recent development. Whether in child care settings, church activities, or youth programming, parents and guardians recognize the need to ensure their child’s safety, and that may be one good that can come out of the tragedies that have gotten so much attention in recent weeks.
How can we guarantee that children are safe from abuse or molestation? Answers are not hard to find once we admit that the problem exists and that we must take active steps to stop it. Denial has been a silent ally of child predators. Openness on the issue disarms them. Openness also helps in circumstances of false accusations, which do sometimes occur.
Since the early 1980’s, the Boy Scouts of America has a "two deep leadership" policy. In brief, at no time is a single adult alone or solely responsible with children. Initially, some scouters resisted this policy, arguing that one-on-one interactions were important to mentoring and directing youth development.
But adults quickly realized that much more was gained than lost in using "two deep leadership" as an absolute requirement. Counseling was often enhanced by two adults responding to a youth’s questions. "Two deep" applied equally to everyone, so no adult leader need be offended by the policy. When an outing was planned, backup was now a requirement – "we’re just not going without another adult with us." And there was no room for a "my word versus the child’s word" situation if an accusation was made.
The other key element in"Youth Protection" is requiring two references. Background checks, which can cost up to $50 a person, are relatively ineffective. Even most well-founded accusations never have charges filed, let alone a conviction, as families hesitate to put their child (or themselves) through the legal system. But the average "problem adult" is often so un-self-aware that they don’t realize what their references will reveal about their last situation working with youth. Background checks rarely catch even long-term molesters, while references often do . . . if you call them, which of course is the last necessary step.
As a pastor as well as a scouter, I am chagrined at how rarely churches take such basic steps. These are two techniques that can be done by any organization, and have the potential to do immense good. On the other hand, neglecting these simple measures can result in incalculable harm.
There is no obvious sign for those who would harm our children. All of us who have worked extensively with youth programs have our own stories: both of the ones we caught and acted against, and the ones where we had no idea until it was too late. It is the latter that haunt us, and keep us vigilant. More eyes, more awareness, more willingness to confront inappropriate behavior, and a refusal to live in denial over the problem can get our entire communities to a place where predators can find no space to operate, and where kids can find a truly safe place to play and grow.
Rev. Jeff Gill
Pastor, Hebron Christian Church,
Church camp director, and
Dist. Commissioner, Licking District BSA
Child Safety and Abuse
Reader's Write -- Newark Advocate
Child safety and child abuse by responsible adults is a topic suddenly splashed across the news. The issue is not new, but our willingness as a society to discuss it openly is a recent development. Whether in child care settings, church activities, or youth programming, parents and guardians recognize the need to ensure their child’s safety, and that may be one good that can come out of the tragedies that have gotten so much attention in recent weeks.
How can we guarantee that children are safe from abuse or molestation? Answers are not hard to find once we admit that the problem exists and that we must take active steps to stop it. Denial has been a silent ally of child predators. Openness on the issue disarms them. Openness also helps in circumstances of false accusations, which do sometimes occur.
Since the early 1980’s, the Boy Scouts of America has a "two deep leadership" policy. In brief, at no time is a single adult alone or solely responsible with children. Initially, some scouters resisted this policy, arguing that one-on-one interactions were important to mentoring and directing youth development.
But adults quickly realized that much more was gained than lost in using "two deep leadership" as an absolute requirement. Counseling was often enhanced by two adults responding to a youth’s questions. "Two deep" applied equally to everyone, so no adult leader need be offended by the policy. When an outing was planned, backup was now a requirement – "we’re just not going without another adult with us." And there was no room for a "my word versus the child’s word" situation if an accusation was made.
The other key element in"Youth Protection" is requiring two references. Background checks, which can cost up to $50 a person, are relatively ineffective. Even most well-founded accusations never have charges filed, let alone a conviction, as families hesitate to put their child (or themselves) through the legal system. But the average "problem adult" is often so un-self-aware that they don’t realize what their references will reveal about their last situation working with youth. Background checks rarely catch even long-term molesters, while references often do . . . if you call them, which of course is the last necessary step.
As a pastor as well as a scouter, I am chagrined at how rarely churches take such basic steps. These are two techniques that can be done by any organization, and have the potential to do immense good. On the other hand, neglecting these simple measures can result in incalculable harm.
There is no obvious sign for those who would harm our children. All of us who have worked extensively with youth programs have our own stories: both of the ones we caught and acted against, and the ones where we had no idea until it was too late. It is the latter that haunt us, and keep us vigilant. More eyes, more awareness, more willingness to confront inappropriate behavior, and a refusal to live in denial over the problem can get our entire communities to a place where predators can find no space to operate, and where kids can find a truly safe place to play and grow.
Rev. Jeff Gill
Pastor, Hebron Christian Church,
Church camp director, and
Dist. Commissioner, Licking District BSA
Child Safety and Abuse
Reader's Write -- Newark Advocate
Child safety and the abuse of children by responsible adults is a topic suddenly splashed across the news. The issue is not new, but our willingness as a society to discuss these concerns openly is a fairly recent development. Whether in child care settings, church activities, or youth programming, parents and guardians are aware of the need to ensure their child’s safety, and that may be the one good that can come out of the tragedies that have gotten so much attention in recent weeks.
How can we guarantee that children can be safe from abuse or molestation? Answers are not that hard to find once we start admitting that the problem exists and that we have to take active steps to stop it. Denial has been a silent ally of child predators, and a little sunlight has the same effect on them that it does on rot and decay, not only revealing but disinfecting. For those concerned about false accusations against adults, which do sometimes occur, openness and transparency can help in those circumstances as well.
Since the early 1980’s, the Boy Scouts of America has had what they call a "two deep leadership" policy. In brief, at no time is a single adult alone or solely responsible with children. Initially, some scouters resisted the implementation of this policy, arguing that one-on-one walks and talks were important to helping mentor and direct youth development.
But adults quickly realized that much more was gained than lost in using "two deep leadership" as an absolute requirement. Counseling is often deepened and broadened by two adults responding to a youth’s questions. When bringing into leadership new adults, no one could be offended by someone else having to be present during youth activities, since "two deep" applies to everyone. When an outing was planned, the need for backup was now a requirement – "we’re just not going if we don’t have another adult with us." And there was no room for a "my word versus the child’s word" situation if an accusation was made.
The other key element in what Scouting calls "Youth Protection" is the requirement of listing two references. Some have suggested that official background checks are the way to go with this, but the problem with those checks isn’t the cost (which can be as much as $50 a person) but their relative ineffectiveness. Sadly, even most well-founded accusations never have charges filed, let alone a conviction, as families hesitate to put their child (or themselves) through the legal system. What continues to mystify me, but that I share out of the experience of many of us who have recruited camp counselors, youth advisors, and other such positions, is that the average "problem adult" is so un-self-aware that their references are often the very ones that asked them to leave their last situation working with youth. It seems counterintuitive, but background checks rarely catch even long-term molesters, while references often do . . . if you call them, which of course is the last necessary step.
As a pastor as well as a scouter, I continue to be chagrined at how rarely the church takes such basic steps. These are two techniques that can be done by any organization, and have the potential to do immense good; on the other hand, neglecting these simple measures can result in incalculable harm. The first time you tell a group of parents "this van isn’t leaving until a second adult goes along" you’ll hear grumbling, no doubt; but clarity and consistency on this point has never failed to produce growing understanding among both youth and adults that child safety is our first priority, and that understanding leads to affirmation and support.
There is no magic touchstone, no simple formula, no obvious visible sign for those who would harm our children. All of us who have worked extensively with youth programs have our own stories: both of the ones we caught and acted against, and the ones where we had no idea until it was too late. It is the latter that haunt us, and keep us vigilant. Which brings us back to "two deep", and the one safe certainty we can offer each other. More eyes, more awareness, more willingness to confront inappropriate behavior, and a refusal to live in denial over the problem can get our entire communities to a place where predators can find no space to operate, and where kids can find a truly safe place to play and grow.
Rev. Jeff Gill
Pastor, Hebron Christian Church
Church camp director
Dist. Commissioner, Licking District BSA
Reader's Write -- Newark Advocate
Child safety and the abuse of children by responsible adults is a topic suddenly splashed across the news. The issue is not new, but our willingness as a society to discuss these concerns openly is a fairly recent development. Whether in child care settings, church activities, or youth programming, parents and guardians are aware of the need to ensure their child’s safety, and that may be the one good that can come out of the tragedies that have gotten so much attention in recent weeks.
How can we guarantee that children can be safe from abuse or molestation? Answers are not that hard to find once we start admitting that the problem exists and that we have to take active steps to stop it. Denial has been a silent ally of child predators, and a little sunlight has the same effect on them that it does on rot and decay, not only revealing but disinfecting. For those concerned about false accusations against adults, which do sometimes occur, openness and transparency can help in those circumstances as well.
Since the early 1980’s, the Boy Scouts of America has had what they call a "two deep leadership" policy. In brief, at no time is a single adult alone or solely responsible with children. Initially, some scouters resisted the implementation of this policy, arguing that one-on-one walks and talks were important to helping mentor and direct youth development.
But adults quickly realized that much more was gained than lost in using "two deep leadership" as an absolute requirement. Counseling is often deepened and broadened by two adults responding to a youth’s questions. When bringing into leadership new adults, no one could be offended by someone else having to be present during youth activities, since "two deep" applies to everyone. When an outing was planned, the need for backup was now a requirement – "we’re just not going if we don’t have another adult with us." And there was no room for a "my word versus the child’s word" situation if an accusation was made.
The other key element in what Scouting calls "Youth Protection" is the requirement of listing two references. Some have suggested that official background checks are the way to go with this, but the problem with those checks isn’t the cost (which can be as much as $50 a person) but their relative ineffectiveness. Sadly, even most well-founded accusations never have charges filed, let alone a conviction, as families hesitate to put their child (or themselves) through the legal system. What continues to mystify me, but that I share out of the experience of many of us who have recruited camp counselors, youth advisors, and other such positions, is that the average "problem adult" is so un-self-aware that their references are often the very ones that asked them to leave their last situation working with youth. It seems counterintuitive, but background checks rarely catch even long-term molesters, while references often do . . . if you call them, which of course is the last necessary step.
As a pastor as well as a scouter, I continue to be chagrined at how rarely the church takes such basic steps. These are two techniques that can be done by any organization, and have the potential to do immense good; on the other hand, neglecting these simple measures can result in incalculable harm. The first time you tell a group of parents "this van isn’t leaving until a second adult goes along" you’ll hear grumbling, no doubt; but clarity and consistency on this point has never failed to produce growing understanding among both youth and adults that child safety is our first priority, and that understanding leads to affirmation and support.
There is no magic touchstone, no simple formula, no obvious visible sign for those who would harm our children. All of us who have worked extensively with youth programs have our own stories: both of the ones we caught and acted against, and the ones where we had no idea until it was too late. It is the latter that haunt us, and keep us vigilant. Which brings us back to "two deep", and the one safe certainty we can offer each other. More eyes, more awareness, more willingness to confront inappropriate behavior, and a refusal to live in denial over the problem can get our entire communities to a place where predators can find no space to operate, and where kids can find a truly safe place to play and grow.
Rev. Jeff Gill
Pastor, Hebron Christian Church
Church camp director
Dist. Commissioner, Licking District BSA
Monday, March 25, 2002
Hebron Crossroads
by Jeff Gill
Easter Egg Hunts and children's parties are regular features of the Saturday before
Easter, and March 30 will be no exception. In fact, a child could make their way around a number of kid's Easter events this Saturday. Hebron Christian Church will have a Children's Easter Party at 9:30 am, with the older youth helping the little ones with the activities in the church basement and back yard.
Licking Baptist Church invites area kids to come for a Community Easter Egg Hunt at 1
pm out on Beaver Run Road, and then up Route 37 at Infirmary Mound Park the Licking Park District will host an Easter Egg Hunt from 1:30 to 3 pm. Other area churches and
groups are holding special children's events through this weekend.
Easter morning, March 31, a Community Sunrise Service is at 6:30 am by the shelter
house at Dawes Arboretum. Wes Baker of Hebron United Methodist Church will share
the morning message, and the Handbell Choir of Hebron Christian will offer the music,
along with the participation of Jacksontown United Methodist with Bob Beyer.
This year, with time change next weekend instead of behind us, 6:30 am will be bright and sunlit, so we look forward to a very large group gathered around to watch the dawn's early light through the trunks of the cypress swamp across Hog Run valley to the northeast. After the service, the Nelson Workheimer Memorial Breakfast will be served up at Hebron UMC.Licking Baptist will offer a Sunrise Service at their worship center a little later, at 7:30 am, if your alarm doesn't get you up in time, or you could do two! Most area churches will have special music, messages, or cantatas along with the Easter lilies and ladies' orchids in their celebration of Christ's resurrection at 10:30 am; contact the church of your choice for details.
Along with time change (remember, Spring forward, Fall back) next weekend the night of
April 6, we know that planting season is beginning for most of our area farmers. Right
before spring planting, or as close as OSU-N's spring break lets them have Hopewell
Hall, the Licking County Salute to Agriculture holds its annual luncheon. At this event, held last Monday, the local Farm Bureau, the Soil & Water Conservation District, and OSU Extension, invited area residents to celebrate farming in Licking County. New members are also named to the Agricultural Hall of Fame.
In years past, local worthies like Melvin Foor, Richard Black, and Clayton Oyler have
been so honored. This year Lawrence Clark of the Hebron Linnville area was one of the two named. He and his wife Gerry are still active in the community, including at Hebron Methodist, continuing a history of service on the Franklin Twp. and later Lakewood School Boards, with the local soil and water conservation district board in almost every office including chairman, and has hosted field days and soil judging contests on his farm. It was a real pleasure to see the Clark family gather 'round to celebrate this honor for Lawrence Clark.
Mitch Lynd was one of the speakers, and he pointed out that 400,000 American farmers raise 90% of the crops that feed our nation and the world. But his closing point was that the most important crop US agriculture raises is leadership. He could look out over the crowd at the Salute to Agriculture luncheon and make his case with all the judges, commissioners, teachers, preachers, and plain old community helpers who trace their roots and the inspiration for their service from a family farm background.
However you choose to celebrate "new life" this next week, remember to be thankful for
farmers, who know a little something about the cycle of birth, death, and renewal, not to mention greeting the sunrise!
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and will be happy to give you a wake-up
call for the Community Easter Sunrise Service. If you need a call or have other news
you'd like to see in this column, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
by Jeff Gill
Easter Egg Hunts and children's parties are regular features of the Saturday before
Easter, and March 30 will be no exception. In fact, a child could make their way around a number of kid's Easter events this Saturday. Hebron Christian Church will have a Children's Easter Party at 9:30 am, with the older youth helping the little ones with the activities in the church basement and back yard.
Licking Baptist Church invites area kids to come for a Community Easter Egg Hunt at 1
pm out on Beaver Run Road, and then up Route 37 at Infirmary Mound Park the Licking Park District will host an Easter Egg Hunt from 1:30 to 3 pm. Other area churches and
groups are holding special children's events through this weekend.
Easter morning, March 31, a Community Sunrise Service is at 6:30 am by the shelter
house at Dawes Arboretum. Wes Baker of Hebron United Methodist Church will share
the morning message, and the Handbell Choir of Hebron Christian will offer the music,
along with the participation of Jacksontown United Methodist with Bob Beyer.
This year, with time change next weekend instead of behind us, 6:30 am will be bright and sunlit, so we look forward to a very large group gathered around to watch the dawn's early light through the trunks of the cypress swamp across Hog Run valley to the northeast. After the service, the Nelson Workheimer Memorial Breakfast will be served up at Hebron UMC.Licking Baptist will offer a Sunrise Service at their worship center a little later, at 7:30 am, if your alarm doesn't get you up in time, or you could do two! Most area churches will have special music, messages, or cantatas along with the Easter lilies and ladies' orchids in their celebration of Christ's resurrection at 10:30 am; contact the church of your choice for details.
Along with time change (remember, Spring forward, Fall back) next weekend the night of
April 6, we know that planting season is beginning for most of our area farmers. Right
before spring planting, or as close as OSU-N's spring break lets them have Hopewell
Hall, the Licking County Salute to Agriculture holds its annual luncheon. At this event, held last Monday, the local Farm Bureau, the Soil & Water Conservation District, and OSU Extension, invited area residents to celebrate farming in Licking County. New members are also named to the Agricultural Hall of Fame.
In years past, local worthies like Melvin Foor, Richard Black, and Clayton Oyler have
been so honored. This year Lawrence Clark of the Hebron Linnville area was one of the two named. He and his wife Gerry are still active in the community, including at Hebron Methodist, continuing a history of service on the Franklin Twp. and later Lakewood School Boards, with the local soil and water conservation district board in almost every office including chairman, and has hosted field days and soil judging contests on his farm. It was a real pleasure to see the Clark family gather 'round to celebrate this honor for Lawrence Clark.
Mitch Lynd was one of the speakers, and he pointed out that 400,000 American farmers raise 90% of the crops that feed our nation and the world. But his closing point was that the most important crop US agriculture raises is leadership. He could look out over the crowd at the Salute to Agriculture luncheon and make his case with all the judges, commissioners, teachers, preachers, and plain old community helpers who trace their roots and the inspiration for their service from a family farm background.
However you choose to celebrate "new life" this next week, remember to be thankful for
farmers, who know a little something about the cycle of birth, death, and renewal, not to mention greeting the sunrise!
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and will be happy to give you a wake-up
call for the Community Easter Sunrise Service. If you need a call or have other news
you'd like to see in this column, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
Monday, March 18, 2002
Hebron Crossroads
by Jeff Gill
When the trillium blooms in the woodland undergrowth, Spring has begun. Wednesday was the official, astronomical vernal equinox, and marks the calendar start of the season, but every year I look for the bright, three-petalled splashes on semi-shady north slopes under tree cover to tell me that the time has come around again.
Crocuses can be fooled, and even the forsythia seems a bit off this year, but trillium is for me what dogwood blossoms are for many. The brightness of their white petals and the richness of the offset three green leaves are a subtle but unmistakable sign, and somehow they've just come to be spring-ness for me. If you're driving the auto loop at Dawes Arboretum, one of the most reliable patches is just to your left after you've passed the Beard-Green cemetery. That area also often contains some pink and speckled trillium, which may very well be a rarity, but give me plain old vanilla trillium any day.
Once the trillium has blossomed, then the color bursts of redbud, dogwood, forsythia, and other spring blossoms attract attention upwards. Trillium reminds us that spring begins right at ground level, and is worth a closer look.
Many folks in the Lakewood area are preparing for Spring Break travel with their families, and of course our college students are looking at some exotic climes for their time off. I'm also hearing more frequently about students using spring break for special study opportunities, to check out co-ops and internships, or to go on mission trips with their churches or campus ministries. As for the old "when I was in college. . ."; well, when I was in college, we spent most of the winter trying to figure out how to get to Ft. Lauderdale, so kudos to today's college students.
Before the vacation period, Rick Black of our school board and Jim Dobos are co-chairing the effort to pass a schools levy on the May 7 ballot. They have an interesting idea on signs, which we'll hear more about soon. The basic concept is based on putting down the misapprehension that the school district is spending vast sums of its own money on pushing levies -- not true, and interestingly, the folks putting up the money for levy attempts are ones who will pay the most in property taxes when one passes, which ought to tell us something about the usefulness of those levies for growth and development! Rick and Jim will have small yard signs for sale that they want to see blossom all over the district like trillium and daffodils combined, saying something like "I paid for this sign, and I support the Lakewood levy!" Someone was really thinking there . . . Rick must have asked Beth for advice.
Jim is also putting his time, as well as his money where his mouth is, working to get the intermediate school boys' soccer program running. Right now he has more boys interested than he has coaches. Lots of assistants, but very few coaches, so help Jim out! I worked alongside Jim and his wife at National Trails parking cars; I was "working for" the Jail Ministries program, and they and their kids were working to raise money to get the girls' soccer program going at the high school. They're putting in their best effort, and they only need a little of ours to get these great youth programs going.
Next weekend I plan to have a list of all the Easter activities I can track down information about at area churches. Tops on that list will be the Easter Sunrise Service at Dawes by the Shelter House (just to the left as you enter).
We've outgrown the Japanese Gardens, and with Jacksontown United Methodist joining Hebron Christian and Hebron United Methodist Churches in celebrating the dawn of new life at 6:30 am March 31, we expect to see many friendly faces by the light of a new day. If your church has a piece of info for me, please call 928-4066 and leave a message or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church, and a lover of trillium in blossom in the wild and morels in the skillet at home. If you have signs of spring or Easter information to share with him, use the contact info above.
by Jeff Gill
When the trillium blooms in the woodland undergrowth, Spring has begun. Wednesday was the official, astronomical vernal equinox, and marks the calendar start of the season, but every year I look for the bright, three-petalled splashes on semi-shady north slopes under tree cover to tell me that the time has come around again.
Crocuses can be fooled, and even the forsythia seems a bit off this year, but trillium is for me what dogwood blossoms are for many. The brightness of their white petals and the richness of the offset three green leaves are a subtle but unmistakable sign, and somehow they've just come to be spring-ness for me. If you're driving the auto loop at Dawes Arboretum, one of the most reliable patches is just to your left after you've passed the Beard-Green cemetery. That area also often contains some pink and speckled trillium, which may very well be a rarity, but give me plain old vanilla trillium any day.
Once the trillium has blossomed, then the color bursts of redbud, dogwood, forsythia, and other spring blossoms attract attention upwards. Trillium reminds us that spring begins right at ground level, and is worth a closer look.
Many folks in the Lakewood area are preparing for Spring Break travel with their families, and of course our college students are looking at some exotic climes for their time off. I'm also hearing more frequently about students using spring break for special study opportunities, to check out co-ops and internships, or to go on mission trips with their churches or campus ministries. As for the old "when I was in college. . ."; well, when I was in college, we spent most of the winter trying to figure out how to get to Ft. Lauderdale, so kudos to today's college students.
Before the vacation period, Rick Black of our school board and Jim Dobos are co-chairing the effort to pass a schools levy on the May 7 ballot. They have an interesting idea on signs, which we'll hear more about soon. The basic concept is based on putting down the misapprehension that the school district is spending vast sums of its own money on pushing levies -- not true, and interestingly, the folks putting up the money for levy attempts are ones who will pay the most in property taxes when one passes, which ought to tell us something about the usefulness of those levies for growth and development! Rick and Jim will have small yard signs for sale that they want to see blossom all over the district like trillium and daffodils combined, saying something like "I paid for this sign, and I support the Lakewood levy!" Someone was really thinking there . . . Rick must have asked Beth for advice.
Jim is also putting his time, as well as his money where his mouth is, working to get the intermediate school boys' soccer program running. Right now he has more boys interested than he has coaches. Lots of assistants, but very few coaches, so help Jim out! I worked alongside Jim and his wife at National Trails parking cars; I was "working for" the Jail Ministries program, and they and their kids were working to raise money to get the girls' soccer program going at the high school. They're putting in their best effort, and they only need a little of ours to get these great youth programs going.
Next weekend I plan to have a list of all the Easter activities I can track down information about at area churches. Tops on that list will be the Easter Sunrise Service at Dawes by the Shelter House (just to the left as you enter).
We've outgrown the Japanese Gardens, and with Jacksontown United Methodist joining Hebron Christian and Hebron United Methodist Churches in celebrating the dawn of new life at 6:30 am March 31, we expect to see many friendly faces by the light of a new day. If your church has a piece of info for me, please call 928-4066 and leave a message or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church, and a lover of trillium in blossom in the wild and morels in the skillet at home. If you have signs of spring or Easter information to share with him, use the contact info above.
Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Commissioner's Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
We've been reviewing the methods of Scouting (there's eight of 'em, that support the three primary aims of the Scouting program -- if you want to see 'em again, click http://www.usscouts.org/aboutbsa.asp). The last two weeks we've talked about the role "Uniforms" have as part of our core identity as Scouts.
As leaders of units, we all know that "Outdoor Activities" is the keystone of who we are, how others see us, and what brings many youth and adults into the program. Getting the pack or troop outdoors can feel like a big challenge, though, and like many big challenges may get put off -- and put off, and put off, until some units realize they've hardly had an outing in months.
The district and council provide four good anchors for "Outdoor Activities" through the year -- Fall Camporee, Klondike Derby, Spring Camporee, and Summer Camp -- and if you start there, you're on the right track. Just don't stop on the tracks! How can your unit add four more outdoor adventures in between those four anchor events? The Burr Oak Scouting Event, hikes in state parks, canoeing at Mohican or West Virginia, a swamp crawl at Crane Creek . . . whatever they are, four unit events and four participations in district/council activities in the great outdoors can keep you close to the Scouting vision.
* * *
Commissioner's Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
In making sure your unit is following the proven successes of the Scouting program, the "aims & methods" taught to adult Scouters are a great guidebook to unit health. Last week, in speaking of "outdoor activities" as one of the eight methods for applying the Scouting model to your own unit program, we talked about the four key district/council seasonal outings, and the need to have at least four more troop outdoor adventures spaced between them.
When your unit is ready to push beyond even those eight outings, don't forget the method that was one of Baden-Powell's key insights into youth work: "Patrol method." In groups of 6 to 8, young men (this is mainly Boy Scouts I'm talking about now, but it applies broadly) can encourage and motivate each other, and evn more importantly, lead each other!
Consider a patrol campout the next time you're working with the Patrol Leader's Council on an outing plan -- encourage your patrols to find a location and do an overnight on their own as a patrol, without all the other equipment and activities that often go with a full weekend troop campout. With an adult responsible for keeping tabs on them (and in the era of cell phones that's easier than ever), a patrol on their own will learn things that the boys will never get in a larger setting, and bring back to the troop knowledge that will make your next outing even more productive.
Patrol Method -- give it a try!
* * *
Commissioner's Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
"Patrol Method" is one of the basic ideas Baden-Powell took to Brownsea Island off England's coast in 1907. Letting the first troop of 22 boys organize themselves into four patrols of Bulls, Bears, Ravens, and Curlews, all of the events were challenges among and between those four boy-led groups.
Scouting "doctrine" has varied over the last near-century, but the idea of "six to eight" Scouts as the ideal size patrol, led by one elected out of their own ranks, has remained constant. Some troops have a frustration with size, saying that they don't have enough Scouts to have multiple patrols. Of course, the first answer is: "Go out and recruit some more!" That's not addressed to the Scouters, but to the Scouts themselves -- remind them how much more fun most activities are when you're racing another team or patrol against the clock, or seeing who's mastered more knots or lashings or first aid skills.
If all else fails, co-ordinate with another unit in your area to schedule activities and challenges between your two groups -- there are over 50 traditional Scouting units in Licking County, so someone is near you. But don't let your unit become one "big mushy" un-patrol, and don't let your competitions and contests become too individualistic. Patrol method is what works, and what the boys enjoy . . . and it naturally leads to . . . well, that's next week's topic!
* * *
Commissioner's Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
What does the proper use of "patrol method" lead to? "Leadership development," of course!
Learning and practicing leadership skills as a youth is probably one of the greatest gifts Scouting gives, and one of the most remembered strengths of the program in the minds of those Scouts when they become adults. One of Scouting's greatest "selling points" in the community is our proven track record for helping every last youth in our program find their leadership talents and develop them.
Why do we say "proven track record"? Well, check out how many senators, representatives, cabinet secretaries, and other officials in Washington are Scouts (and Eagles!). Look at the astronaut corps in NASA, and see how thoroughly Scouting runs through their biographies. Consider your community, and find out how many judges, elected officials, and pastors have a fleur-de-lis in their offices.
An Eagle Scout gets a "bump" on the promotion track in all branches of the military, and that line on a resume has gotten who knows how many Scouts into the "to be interviewed" pile at leading corporations all across America. These folks aren't just being sentimental about being "outdoorsy" -- they're acknowledging the well-known fact that "leadership development" is what the Scouting program does best.
Jeff Gill, District Commish
We've been reviewing the methods of Scouting (there's eight of 'em, that support the three primary aims of the Scouting program -- if you want to see 'em again, click http://www.usscouts.org/aboutbsa.asp). The last two weeks we've talked about the role "Uniforms" have as part of our core identity as Scouts.
As leaders of units, we all know that "Outdoor Activities" is the keystone of who we are, how others see us, and what brings many youth and adults into the program. Getting the pack or troop outdoors can feel like a big challenge, though, and like many big challenges may get put off -- and put off, and put off, until some units realize they've hardly had an outing in months.
The district and council provide four good anchors for "Outdoor Activities" through the year -- Fall Camporee, Klondike Derby, Spring Camporee, and Summer Camp -- and if you start there, you're on the right track. Just don't stop on the tracks! How can your unit add four more outdoor adventures in between those four anchor events? The Burr Oak Scouting Event, hikes in state parks, canoeing at Mohican or West Virginia, a swamp crawl at Crane Creek . . . whatever they are, four unit events and four participations in district/council activities in the great outdoors can keep you close to the Scouting vision.
* * *
Commissioner's Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
In making sure your unit is following the proven successes of the Scouting program, the "aims & methods" taught to adult Scouters are a great guidebook to unit health. Last week, in speaking of "outdoor activities" as one of the eight methods for applying the Scouting model to your own unit program, we talked about the four key district/council seasonal outings, and the need to have at least four more troop outdoor adventures spaced between them.
When your unit is ready to push beyond even those eight outings, don't forget the method that was one of Baden-Powell's key insights into youth work: "Patrol method." In groups of 6 to 8, young men (this is mainly Boy Scouts I'm talking about now, but it applies broadly) can encourage and motivate each other, and evn more importantly, lead each other!
Consider a patrol campout the next time you're working with the Patrol Leader's Council on an outing plan -- encourage your patrols to find a location and do an overnight on their own as a patrol, without all the other equipment and activities that often go with a full weekend troop campout. With an adult responsible for keeping tabs on them (and in the era of cell phones that's easier than ever), a patrol on their own will learn things that the boys will never get in a larger setting, and bring back to the troop knowledge that will make your next outing even more productive.
Patrol Method -- give it a try!
* * *
Commissioner's Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
"Patrol Method" is one of the basic ideas Baden-Powell took to Brownsea Island off England's coast in 1907. Letting the first troop of 22 boys organize themselves into four patrols of Bulls, Bears, Ravens, and Curlews, all of the events were challenges among and between those four boy-led groups.
Scouting "doctrine" has varied over the last near-century, but the idea of "six to eight" Scouts as the ideal size patrol, led by one elected out of their own ranks, has remained constant. Some troops have a frustration with size, saying that they don't have enough Scouts to have multiple patrols. Of course, the first answer is: "Go out and recruit some more!" That's not addressed to the Scouters, but to the Scouts themselves -- remind them how much more fun most activities are when you're racing another team or patrol against the clock, or seeing who's mastered more knots or lashings or first aid skills.
If all else fails, co-ordinate with another unit in your area to schedule activities and challenges between your two groups -- there are over 50 traditional Scouting units in Licking County, so someone is near you. But don't let your unit become one "big mushy" un-patrol, and don't let your competitions and contests become too individualistic. Patrol method is what works, and what the boys enjoy . . . and it naturally leads to . . . well, that's next week's topic!
* * *
Commissioner's Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
What does the proper use of "patrol method" lead to? "Leadership development," of course!
Learning and practicing leadership skills as a youth is probably one of the greatest gifts Scouting gives, and one of the most remembered strengths of the program in the minds of those Scouts when they become adults. One of Scouting's greatest "selling points" in the community is our proven track record for helping every last youth in our program find their leadership talents and develop them.
Why do we say "proven track record"? Well, check out how many senators, representatives, cabinet secretaries, and other officials in Washington are Scouts (and Eagles!). Look at the astronaut corps in NASA, and see how thoroughly Scouting runs through their biographies. Consider your community, and find out how many judges, elected officials, and pastors have a fleur-de-lis in their offices.
An Eagle Scout gets a "bump" on the promotion track in all branches of the military, and that line on a resume has gotten who knows how many Scouts into the "to be interviewed" pile at leading corporations all across America. These folks aren't just being sentimental about being "outdoorsy" -- they're acknowledging the well-known fact that "leadership development" is what the Scouting program does best.
Monday, March 11, 2002
Choir Festival on Linnville Road
by Jeff Gill
Contributing Writer
Paul Hansen, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, is known for his willingness to play a guitar at almost any provocation, even in the middle of a sermon. But Paul knows that the whole "Lake country" area has a musical bent, and the new multipurpose building there on Linnville Road has good acoustics for a reason.
So the folks at St. John's are offering to host a Choir Festival on Sunday, April 14, from 3 to 5 pm, for church choirs and praise teams from Jacksontown, Hebron, Buckeye Lake, Thornville, and Millersport. Many churches have musical groups that work long and hard on interesting and technically challenging pieces that are only heard once or twice in the Easter season; the plan for this festival is for everyone to get to sing those pieces again for an appreciative audience of their peers, and for anyone in the community who wishes to attend.
With two or three anthems apiece, and participation from chancel choirs, children's choirs, handbell choirs, or contemporary praise teams, the diversity of music and the common interests of the presenters should make for a great afternoon of music and fellowship.
St. John's can provide in the gathering space a piano and a Korg keyboard, and refreshments afterward. All churches in the communities named received in the mail and through Church Women United a flyer about this event, but if your church is interested, they simply need confirmation by March 31. Call Carol Hill at 323-0735 to express an interest or to get further information.
The last Lake area choir festival was about five years ago, and the time seems ripe for us to join together again.
Please plan to come and listen and perhaps even sing along on April 14 at 3 pm.
by Jeff Gill
Contributing Writer
Paul Hansen, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, is known for his willingness to play a guitar at almost any provocation, even in the middle of a sermon. But Paul knows that the whole "Lake country" area has a musical bent, and the new multipurpose building there on Linnville Road has good acoustics for a reason.
So the folks at St. John's are offering to host a Choir Festival on Sunday, April 14, from 3 to 5 pm, for church choirs and praise teams from Jacksontown, Hebron, Buckeye Lake, Thornville, and Millersport. Many churches have musical groups that work long and hard on interesting and technically challenging pieces that are only heard once or twice in the Easter season; the plan for this festival is for everyone to get to sing those pieces again for an appreciative audience of their peers, and for anyone in the community who wishes to attend.
With two or three anthems apiece, and participation from chancel choirs, children's choirs, handbell choirs, or contemporary praise teams, the diversity of music and the common interests of the presenters should make for a great afternoon of music and fellowship.
St. John's can provide in the gathering space a piano and a Korg keyboard, and refreshments afterward. All churches in the communities named received in the mail and through Church Women United a flyer about this event, but if your church is interested, they simply need confirmation by March 31. Call Carol Hill at 323-0735 to express an interest or to get further information.
The last Lake area choir festival was about five years ago, and the time seems ripe for us to join together again.
Please plan to come and listen and perhaps even sing along on April 14 at 3 pm.
Hebron Crossroads
by Jeff Gill
"Have you ever seen copies of the Hebron Tribune?" asked Mary Alice Dernberger. So began a story that went from a hospital bedside to our Hebron Municipal Complex to the old library building and back again, ending with Mary Alice getting a pacemaker and renewed good health, and a new lease on life for some important pieces of Hebron history.
Thanks to Pat Walters of the Hebron Public Library, village manager Mike McFarland, and councilmember Jim Friend, but mainly thanks to Mary Alice's insistence, we've secured the volumes that contain clippings and whole copies of publications that open up a window to part of our community history. The timing couldn't be better, as our history is starting to take some dramatic new turns!
It turns out that the former Municipal and Civic Improvement Association (with some members still active in the community but no meetings to speak of) had been involved in helping get the fledgling Hebron Library a building. What is now the "old" building was being vacated by Park National Bank for their new building across the street, and John Alford (of blessed memory!) helped arrange the gift of that building to the Hebron Community Foundation, represented by current councilmember Bob Gilbert's mother in a photograph found in a scrapbook alongside a volume of Hebron Tribunes. 1959 and 1960 are all that we have, and may be all that were printed of that local paper. David S. Dernberger is a lead columnist in the first issue of the Tribune, with his four-digit phone number listed, and certainly no e-mail address! David, who was likely a very well-spoken five years old then, is now retired from Meritor and back in town from some years overseas in Sweden and England. His wife Vivian is now the voice on the phone for the Kirkersville Chapel of Henderson-VanAtta-Johnson, which would have been the Emerson Funeral Home in those long-ago back issues.
There will be much to share with you from these volumes, now being properly cared for in the new library and village offices, where they can be viewed by the public, but must be carefully handled due to the natural deterioration of newsprint over 40-plus years.
As Mary Alice and I talked about what had been "re"-discovered in these scrapbooks, she also told me about raising her family on the old Heimerl farm. Driving back to Hebron last week, I went to look for some of the traces of the lane and buildings, and saw that Dominion Homes has erected their "Lake Forest" subdivision sign on the eastern border of the old farm along the 79 bypass, and near the old 79 entrance to where the farm buildings used to be, a crew was busily planting stakes and marking the lanes of the forthcoming Lake Forest streets, behind the old Williams Restaurant site.
Then, over the weekend, the property transfers in the Saturday Advocate show that Kroger has purchased the land where they have been announcing their plans to build adjacent to AmeriHost and the location of Buckeye Outdoors' 43,000 square foot new building.
Coming up next weekend, Palm Sunday, Licking Baptist Church will open a new era in their history rich congregation's life with a new, spacious worship center and classrooms just southwest of where Blacks Road meets Beaver Run Road, northwest of the village limits. The congregation will "baptize" their new space on the 24th, and on Good Friday, March 29, at 7:00 pm they will welcome area churches to join together in a Community Good Friday service that Pastor Lonnie Aleshire and I have been talking about for some time! This is an opportunity to mark Good Friday prayerfully and also show your support for another great part of our Hebron community.
And Palm Sunday is a special day for us at Hebron Christian Church, as we mark (actually, mark the day after) our 135th anniversary as a congregation serving the Hebron/Union Township community. New history is made even as we continue to celebrate our past history here by the Hebron Crossroads!
Finally, Kathryn Lockwood will be setting up her Easter Egg Tree for the
Hebron Elementary kindergardeners this weekend. They'll be trooping by the
corner of North and Seventh Streets to see her annual display on Monday and
Tuesday, Mar. 18 and 19. This splash of color and sign of spring is
well-known and greatly anticipated in Hebron, and we're just glad she
didn't set up before the big windstorms last weekend! We'll have more about
area Easter activities in next week's column.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and a peruser of old newspapers and scrapbooks, far too many of which are in his own mis-named "files." If you have current stories of historic events or just something happening next week, call him at 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
by Jeff Gill
"Have you ever seen copies of the Hebron Tribune?" asked Mary Alice Dernberger. So began a story that went from a hospital bedside to our Hebron Municipal Complex to the old library building and back again, ending with Mary Alice getting a pacemaker and renewed good health, and a new lease on life for some important pieces of Hebron history.
Thanks to Pat Walters of the Hebron Public Library, village manager Mike McFarland, and councilmember Jim Friend, but mainly thanks to Mary Alice's insistence, we've secured the volumes that contain clippings and whole copies of publications that open up a window to part of our community history. The timing couldn't be better, as our history is starting to take some dramatic new turns!
It turns out that the former Municipal and Civic Improvement Association (with some members still active in the community but no meetings to speak of) had been involved in helping get the fledgling Hebron Library a building. What is now the "old" building was being vacated by Park National Bank for their new building across the street, and John Alford (of blessed memory!) helped arrange the gift of that building to the Hebron Community Foundation, represented by current councilmember Bob Gilbert's mother in a photograph found in a scrapbook alongside a volume of Hebron Tribunes. 1959 and 1960 are all that we have, and may be all that were printed of that local paper. David S. Dernberger is a lead columnist in the first issue of the Tribune, with his four-digit phone number listed, and certainly no e-mail address! David, who was likely a very well-spoken five years old then, is now retired from Meritor and back in town from some years overseas in Sweden and England. His wife Vivian is now the voice on the phone for the Kirkersville Chapel of Henderson-VanAtta-Johnson, which would have been the Emerson Funeral Home in those long-ago back issues.
There will be much to share with you from these volumes, now being properly cared for in the new library and village offices, where they can be viewed by the public, but must be carefully handled due to the natural deterioration of newsprint over 40-plus years.
As Mary Alice and I talked about what had been "re"-discovered in these scrapbooks, she also told me about raising her family on the old Heimerl farm. Driving back to Hebron last week, I went to look for some of the traces of the lane and buildings, and saw that Dominion Homes has erected their "Lake Forest" subdivision sign on the eastern border of the old farm along the 79 bypass, and near the old 79 entrance to where the farm buildings used to be, a crew was busily planting stakes and marking the lanes of the forthcoming Lake Forest streets, behind the old Williams Restaurant site.
Then, over the weekend, the property transfers in the Saturday Advocate show that Kroger has purchased the land where they have been announcing their plans to build adjacent to AmeriHost and the location of Buckeye Outdoors' 43,000 square foot new building.
Coming up next weekend, Palm Sunday, Licking Baptist Church will open a new era in their history rich congregation's life with a new, spacious worship center and classrooms just southwest of where Blacks Road meets Beaver Run Road, northwest of the village limits. The congregation will "baptize" their new space on the 24th, and on Good Friday, March 29, at 7:00 pm they will welcome area churches to join together in a Community Good Friday service that Pastor Lonnie Aleshire and I have been talking about for some time! This is an opportunity to mark Good Friday prayerfully and also show your support for another great part of our Hebron community.
And Palm Sunday is a special day for us at Hebron Christian Church, as we mark (actually, mark the day after) our 135th anniversary as a congregation serving the Hebron/Union Township community. New history is made even as we continue to celebrate our past history here by the Hebron Crossroads!
Finally, Kathryn Lockwood will be setting up her Easter Egg Tree for the
Hebron Elementary kindergardeners this weekend. They'll be trooping by the
corner of North and Seventh Streets to see her annual display on Monday and
Tuesday, Mar. 18 and 19. This splash of color and sign of spring is
well-known and greatly anticipated in Hebron, and we're just glad she
didn't set up before the big windstorms last weekend! We'll have more about
area Easter activities in next week's column.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and a peruser of old newspapers and scrapbooks, far too many of which are in his own mis-named "files." If you have current stories of historic events or just something happening next week, call him at 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
Monday, March 04, 2002
Hebron Crossroads
by Jeff Gill
4-H is celebrating a centennial this year in Ohio! One hundred years ago the first 4-H club was organized by a county extension agent, and 4-H has been going strong ever since.
Prime Producers 4-H club is one of many in Licking County, but one of the most active here in Union Township. Of course, you can see all of the 4-H clubs in action at the Hartford Fair August 3 - 10, including all the specialty clubs that focus on foods and cooking, horsemanship, tractors, or making clothes.
There is a great family feeling in the general purpose clubs like Prime Producers, which is led by Martha and Dave Cable. Their 30 some members do everything from livestock judging to presentations on subjects from photography to gardening to health and safety. Aaron Dunkle and Tracy Wildermuth have gone to the state fair with their poster presentations in these areas and won awards. David Cable has shown animals at the state fair, as well as others from Prime Producers, and many will be going this year to see the new giant OHIO at the gate of the fairgrounds.
4-H meetings are run by the youth, and at their first meeting of 2002 they elected new officers.
President is now Drew Cable, with Zach Lohrman as vice-president and Whitney Mason, secretary. Taylor Besch is the treasurer, Jake Cormican serving as news reporter, and returning as health officer is Tracy Wildermuth. The safety officer will be Joey Cormican, and the highly coveted office of recreation officer went to past-president David Cable!
Prime Producers meets the fourth Sunday of the month at 6 pm in the Hebron Christian Church basement. They’ll meet more often as we get closer to the Hartford Fair.
Also, congratulations to our area Girl Scouts on their organization's birthday: you can always tell when it is because that's when they usually start delivering the cookies . . . yay! Thanks to leaders like Ruthanne Dougherty, Teresa Gilbert, and Kris Yost for all their work on this major task that funds most of their activities in the Heart of Ohio Girl Scout Council.
And while we're covering youth activities in depth, remember that the various youth baseball organizations are having sign-ups right about now. George Braden has had some health problems which are improving (Amen!), but he and Ethel still are working hard on Buckeye Lake Youth Association T-ball leagues, for 5 through 7 year olds. March 9 at Ryan Park is the next registration day from 1 to 3 pm. Birth certificates are required; for more info, call George or Ethel at 928-8096 or Tim Ballard at 928-8688.
Also, Lakewood Youth Baseball signups will be held March 9 and 16 from 9 am to 3 pm in the Lakewood Intermediate cafeteria; birth certificates are required for all, from t-ball up through "minor" leagues.
Finally, Lakewood Intermediate was host to a great Blue and Gold banquet for Cub Scout Pack 33. I really enjoyed getting to see the young men "crossover" with their Arrow of Light award from Webelos to Boy Scouts, and the Order of the Arrow dance team did a spectacular job, even getting the audience, from Cubmaster Doug Hohl to Unit Commissioner Minnie Hester, to join in the big "pow wow" dance (Paul Hester and I have a ways to go in the dancing department). Tim Rice, the former Kaniengahaga chapter chief of the OA in Licking County, B.J. Humphries the drummer/narrator, and chapter adviser Mark Rhodes all do a great job with the dance team, and add to the drama and excitement of many Pack and Troop events all over the county.
Our youth in the Lakewood area truly benefit from all these organizations that exist to serve their growth and guidance. Thank a leader sometime soon, would you?
Oh, and don’t forget that we’re in the middle of the proficiency test period for 4th and 6th graders! A kind word and an encouraging smile will go a long way for teachers and pupils, and a good breakfast wouldn’t hurt, either . . .
--
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and active in a few youth-serving organizations himself; if you'd like to let him know about an event or activity for youth, senior citizens, or anyone else, call 928-4066 or e-mail him at disciple@voyager.net.
by Jeff Gill
4-H is celebrating a centennial this year in Ohio! One hundred years ago the first 4-H club was organized by a county extension agent, and 4-H has been going strong ever since.
Prime Producers 4-H club is one of many in Licking County, but one of the most active here in Union Township. Of course, you can see all of the 4-H clubs in action at the Hartford Fair August 3 - 10, including all the specialty clubs that focus on foods and cooking, horsemanship, tractors, or making clothes.
There is a great family feeling in the general purpose clubs like Prime Producers, which is led by Martha and Dave Cable. Their 30 some members do everything from livestock judging to presentations on subjects from photography to gardening to health and safety. Aaron Dunkle and Tracy Wildermuth have gone to the state fair with their poster presentations in these areas and won awards. David Cable has shown animals at the state fair, as well as others from Prime Producers, and many will be going this year to see the new giant OHIO at the gate of the fairgrounds.
4-H meetings are run by the youth, and at their first meeting of 2002 they elected new officers.
President is now Drew Cable, with Zach Lohrman as vice-president and Whitney Mason, secretary. Taylor Besch is the treasurer, Jake Cormican serving as news reporter, and returning as health officer is Tracy Wildermuth. The safety officer will be Joey Cormican, and the highly coveted office of recreation officer went to past-president David Cable!
Prime Producers meets the fourth Sunday of the month at 6 pm in the Hebron Christian Church basement. They’ll meet more often as we get closer to the Hartford Fair.
Also, congratulations to our area Girl Scouts on their organization's birthday: you can always tell when it is because that's when they usually start delivering the cookies . . . yay! Thanks to leaders like Ruthanne Dougherty, Teresa Gilbert, and Kris Yost for all their work on this major task that funds most of their activities in the Heart of Ohio Girl Scout Council.
And while we're covering youth activities in depth, remember that the various youth baseball organizations are having sign-ups right about now. George Braden has had some health problems which are improving (Amen!), but he and Ethel still are working hard on Buckeye Lake Youth Association T-ball leagues, for 5 through 7 year olds. March 9 at Ryan Park is the next registration day from 1 to 3 pm. Birth certificates are required; for more info, call George or Ethel at 928-8096 or Tim Ballard at 928-8688.
Also, Lakewood Youth Baseball signups will be held March 9 and 16 from 9 am to 3 pm in the Lakewood Intermediate cafeteria; birth certificates are required for all, from t-ball up through "minor" leagues.
Finally, Lakewood Intermediate was host to a great Blue and Gold banquet for Cub Scout Pack 33. I really enjoyed getting to see the young men "crossover" with their Arrow of Light award from Webelos to Boy Scouts, and the Order of the Arrow dance team did a spectacular job, even getting the audience, from Cubmaster Doug Hohl to Unit Commissioner Minnie Hester, to join in the big "pow wow" dance (Paul Hester and I have a ways to go in the dancing department). Tim Rice, the former Kaniengahaga chapter chief of the OA in Licking County, B.J. Humphries the drummer/narrator, and chapter adviser Mark Rhodes all do a great job with the dance team, and add to the drama and excitement of many Pack and Troop events all over the county.
Our youth in the Lakewood area truly benefit from all these organizations that exist to serve their growth and guidance. Thank a leader sometime soon, would you?
Oh, and don’t forget that we’re in the middle of the proficiency test period for 4th and 6th graders! A kind word and an encouraging smile will go a long way for teachers and pupils, and a good breakfast wouldn’t hurt, either . . .
--
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and active in a few youth-serving organizations himself; if you'd like to let him know about an event or activity for youth, senior citizens, or anyone else, call 928-4066 or e-mail him at disciple@voyager.net.
Monday, February 25, 2002
Notes From My Knapsack
The last year has been an interesting one in the life of our larger church
connection, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). I use
"interesting" quite deliberately, because there is much going on that can
be seen as both good and bad, and perspectives vary. You're about to get
mine!
A few months ago, Christian Board of Publication announced that "The
Disciple", a general news and information magazine aimed at our
denomination, would close in March. Readership had dropped from almost
80,000 subscriptions to less than 20,000 (out of a denom. with about
800,000 members). 86% of clergy subscribed, while less than 2% of lay
members did. It was about to go back to losing large sums of money -- and
CBP is not a "subsidiary" of the Disciples anymore than Hebron Christian
is, as folks learned everytime they asked why the General Minister &
President couldn't "do something" about a cover they didn't like, or an
article they disagreed with. CBP is an independent expression of our
common life as Disciples, and still will be; just without that particular
magazine.
Then Rev. Lois Artis (some of us heard her preach at Reg. Assembly two
years ago) gave the Basic Mission Finance report for 2001: the good news
is that designated giving was up in Reconciliation, Week of Compassion, and
specified outreach causes. The bad news was that overall BMF giving
declined 4%. In the past, investments have been able to cover such losses
and allow program & budget growth, but as we all know, that didn't happen
this year and can't be counted on next year. A number of commenators
pointed to a continuing trend to donors wanting to have more sense of what
their gifts are specifically going to do, and being less willing to give to
a general fund -- we've seen some of that right here, too.
And finally, just a few weeks ago, the National Benevolent Association, our
Disciples-related care facility organization, announced that they would
"close" the Cleveland Christian Home, a 101-year-old part of our mission
and ministry here in Ohio. NBA reported that, with reimbursements falling
drastically behind costs, and investments also cutting a hole in planned
earnings, they could no longer cover the operating shortfalls that NBA
claims has plagued them for over 5 years. I put "close" in quotes because
the residents (36 there in the building, others in nearby group homes) will
receive services until appropriate placements are found for all, and
another group or even the staff themselves may buy out the Home and try to
run it themselves. Some want to come and make a presentation at area
churches, including of course Hebron Christian.
So. . .that's a bunch of information, and it only skims the surface.
Anytime any of you would like to know more, or be pointed in the direction
of more information so you can consider it yourself, please let me know and
I'm happy to help. If there are ways more of this kind of info could be
shared with the congregation, let me know your thoughts on that as well.
Some say the problems are rooted in pastors' not sharing all of this info
regularly with their congregations . . . but obviously printing a magazine
with all those details wasn't too popular, either.
Meanwhile, if you've read on this far, here's why I actually think this all
could be seen as good news, of a sort. We have been talking a good game,
among the clergy & church leadership, about the need to change and adapt
our ministries to effectively preach the Gospel to our present time and
place. I'm afraid what we have actally done is adapt the Gospel to
effectively maintain the ministries we're used to and comfortable with, and
the Gospel doesn't -- can't -- shouldn't change, and the times always do.
Over the last 100+ years we've seen magazines come and go (something will
replace "The Disciple", never fear), outreach ministries have gone from
orphanages to foster care to . . . ?, and the very nature of overseas
missionary work has changed dramatically, because they've heard the Gospel
and now they're coming back to preach it anew to us!
I believe that 10 to 15 years from now half of all Disciples congregations
will be led by non-ordained leadership. Our decision isn't whether or not
that's going to happen; our decision is whether or not we can see that as
something to nurture and celebrate. I believe that there will be 18 or so
regions then, not 35 -- whoops, 34, because they're already consolidating,
and that's long overdue. I believe that there will be nothing resembling
our General Office as it is now, and why wouldn't that be a good thing?
Magazine titles, organizational structures, and particular forms of mission
aren't the Gospel, but simply expressions of it; and I don't know many
people who keep the same expression on their face for very long, do you?
I believe the Gospel is still the Light of the World, and that we Disciples
will have a special role to play in sharing it: because youth mid-winter
and leadership events in our region are filled and popular, because lay
training events are filled to overflowing, because congregations are
working together in Christ in places like Hebron & Licking County, because
hands-on work projects "gettin' dirty for Jesus" have never been more
popular in the life of our churches in Ohio and around the Disciples'
fellowship. Thanks for reading this far, and visit, call, or e-mail me if
you want to hear more about how things are changing in our denomination,
and I believe largely for the better.
In Grace & Peace,
Pastor Jeff
The last year has been an interesting one in the life of our larger church
connection, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). I use
"interesting" quite deliberately, because there is much going on that can
be seen as both good and bad, and perspectives vary. You're about to get
mine!
A few months ago, Christian Board of Publication announced that "The
Disciple", a general news and information magazine aimed at our
denomination, would close in March. Readership had dropped from almost
80,000 subscriptions to less than 20,000 (out of a denom. with about
800,000 members). 86% of clergy subscribed, while less than 2% of lay
members did. It was about to go back to losing large sums of money -- and
CBP is not a "subsidiary" of the Disciples anymore than Hebron Christian
is, as folks learned everytime they asked why the General Minister &
President couldn't "do something" about a cover they didn't like, or an
article they disagreed with. CBP is an independent expression of our
common life as Disciples, and still will be; just without that particular
magazine.
Then Rev. Lois Artis (some of us heard her preach at Reg. Assembly two
years ago) gave the Basic Mission Finance report for 2001: the good news
is that designated giving was up in Reconciliation, Week of Compassion, and
specified outreach causes. The bad news was that overall BMF giving
declined 4%. In the past, investments have been able to cover such losses
and allow program & budget growth, but as we all know, that didn't happen
this year and can't be counted on next year. A number of commenators
pointed to a continuing trend to donors wanting to have more sense of what
their gifts are specifically going to do, and being less willing to give to
a general fund -- we've seen some of that right here, too.
And finally, just a few weeks ago, the National Benevolent Association, our
Disciples-related care facility organization, announced that they would
"close" the Cleveland Christian Home, a 101-year-old part of our mission
and ministry here in Ohio. NBA reported that, with reimbursements falling
drastically behind costs, and investments also cutting a hole in planned
earnings, they could no longer cover the operating shortfalls that NBA
claims has plagued them for over 5 years. I put "close" in quotes because
the residents (36 there in the building, others in nearby group homes) will
receive services until appropriate placements are found for all, and
another group or even the staff themselves may buy out the Home and try to
run it themselves. Some want to come and make a presentation at area
churches, including of course Hebron Christian.
So. . .that's a bunch of information, and it only skims the surface.
Anytime any of you would like to know more, or be pointed in the direction
of more information so you can consider it yourself, please let me know and
I'm happy to help. If there are ways more of this kind of info could be
shared with the congregation, let me know your thoughts on that as well.
Some say the problems are rooted in pastors' not sharing all of this info
regularly with their congregations . . . but obviously printing a magazine
with all those details wasn't too popular, either.
Meanwhile, if you've read on this far, here's why I actually think this all
could be seen as good news, of a sort. We have been talking a good game,
among the clergy & church leadership, about the need to change and adapt
our ministries to effectively preach the Gospel to our present time and
place. I'm afraid what we have actally done is adapt the Gospel to
effectively maintain the ministries we're used to and comfortable with, and
the Gospel doesn't -- can't -- shouldn't change, and the times always do.
Over the last 100+ years we've seen magazines come and go (something will
replace "The Disciple", never fear), outreach ministries have gone from
orphanages to foster care to . . . ?, and the very nature of overseas
missionary work has changed dramatically, because they've heard the Gospel
and now they're coming back to preach it anew to us!
I believe that 10 to 15 years from now half of all Disciples congregations
will be led by non-ordained leadership. Our decision isn't whether or not
that's going to happen; our decision is whether or not we can see that as
something to nurture and celebrate. I believe that there will be 18 or so
regions then, not 35 -- whoops, 34, because they're already consolidating,
and that's long overdue. I believe that there will be nothing resembling
our General Office as it is now, and why wouldn't that be a good thing?
Magazine titles, organizational structures, and particular forms of mission
aren't the Gospel, but simply expressions of it; and I don't know many
people who keep the same expression on their face for very long, do you?
I believe the Gospel is still the Light of the World, and that we Disciples
will have a special role to play in sharing it: because youth mid-winter
and leadership events in our region are filled and popular, because lay
training events are filled to overflowing, because congregations are
working together in Christ in places like Hebron & Licking County, because
hands-on work projects "gettin' dirty for Jesus" have never been more
popular in the life of our churches in Ohio and around the Disciples'
fellowship. Thanks for reading this far, and visit, call, or e-mail me if
you want to hear more about how things are changing in our denomination,
and I believe largely for the better.
In Grace & Peace,
Pastor Jeff
Hebron Crossroads
by Jeff Gill
One of the most beautiful sights I know is driving into Hebron on US 40 around dusk from the west. As you crest the hill at Sunset Inn and curve a bit north coming down into the village, the view spread out before you is wonderful.
But what is the name of the hill we see to the west of town? I asked Mary Lawrence (someone said she'd know!), and she thought it had been called "Smith Hill", but she wasn't sure. Sunset Hill sure sounds nice, and I may keep calling it that unless some Smiths want to straighten me out.
This did get me to thinking about some of our other landforms around Hebron, many of which are quite striking from that drive into town from . . . Sunset Hill. Straight ahead, over the old Mill that the ribbon of road points to, is what I call "Dawes Heights." As you get closer, it resolves into a number of hills, like Hawthorne Hill and Oak Ridge, but the high point you see from the west is east of 79, with an Adena mound on it that is just inside the Arboretum boundaries.
Looking back from the bowl the village sets in toward the west, Sunset Hill drops a bit north of 40, and then starts a rise that continues on to Beaver Run; I call it Blatter Ridge, but Martha Blatter says it used to be called "Road Hill." Martha is a modest woman, but I like my name better.
Of course north of the village limits across Beaver Run to the north is Seminary Hill, for the PIME facility that sits on its crest. Ironically, Canyon Road runs up the high ground between the seminary and Blacks Hill, until it reaches one of the area's other dramatic evening views, the one down into the valley filled with the lights of Newark and Heath. Then Canyon does drop down towards Union Station, into the "canyon" of Auter Creek, which is what I'm going to keep calling Ramp Creek until it catches on!
Do you know of other lost or alternate names for local landmarks?
Our legacy from the past is held in names and memories and other various kinds of landmarks. The "Leave A Legacy" program here in Licking County is an interesting attempt to help people shape their legacy after their death with careful consideration of their wills.
While the Licking County Foundation has been very helpful in getting this started, this isn't about getting people to leave their money to them! What the "LAL" committee is trying to do is get information out to local non-profits, service groups, and yes, churches, helping them help their members to leave a legacy.
The program is based on three simple facts. Nationally, 70% of people give money regularly to some group or another; that's 76% in Licking Co., no surprise there. But only about 3% of wills leave anything to groups or charities. When "LAL" looked at the last five years' worth of wills in our probate court, even counting a simple $50 gift to their church, only 6% in Licking County had done so. And finally, 82% of the country's richest individuals left nothing to charity!
So the point is to simply offer the information. People may well want to leave something, but have never been asked or approached with a way to do so. A training event for representatives of organizations that want to learn more is on March 5 at the old Pennsy Depot, the Foundations Building in Newark, from 7 to 9 pm. The cost is just $5, and I went to their first one and it was well worth it. Call 345-7351 for info or registration.
Two legacies of changing times in Hebron are the former municipal building and the old library, both right downtown. Offers have already been made to rent, buy, or use these structures, and village council has asked a few of us to meet to review options and make a recommendation back to them on what to do with them. Theirs is the final decision, but these local citizens will be meeting soon after they've been cleaned to consider what is in the best interests of Hebron.
Please feel free to forward to me or through Mike McFarland, village administrator (Mike's handed me a couple already) what your thoughts are, but consider these points. First, the village can't "give" the buildings to anyone, no matter what the cause or purpose of the organization (the solicitor sez that's the law, folks). Second, anything like a youth center which would require staff is a tough proposition, considering we voted down the last parks levy. Third, being a landlord has some significant downsides. Ask any landlord! Renting the buildings out is already a last option.
They are good, solid buildings, and they have good locations, but are neither "accessible" under the law, which would further limit some public uses for either. With all that in mind, be creative and pass your ideas along, and this committee will prioritize them and return our list to council.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and a member of a variety of committees (for his sins). If you have a
story idea or other feedback for him, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
by Jeff Gill
One of the most beautiful sights I know is driving into Hebron on US 40 around dusk from the west. As you crest the hill at Sunset Inn and curve a bit north coming down into the village, the view spread out before you is wonderful.
But what is the name of the hill we see to the west of town? I asked Mary Lawrence (someone said she'd know!), and she thought it had been called "Smith Hill", but she wasn't sure. Sunset Hill sure sounds nice, and I may keep calling it that unless some Smiths want to straighten me out.
This did get me to thinking about some of our other landforms around Hebron, many of which are quite striking from that drive into town from . . . Sunset Hill. Straight ahead, over the old Mill that the ribbon of road points to, is what I call "Dawes Heights." As you get closer, it resolves into a number of hills, like Hawthorne Hill and Oak Ridge, but the high point you see from the west is east of 79, with an Adena mound on it that is just inside the Arboretum boundaries.
Looking back from the bowl the village sets in toward the west, Sunset Hill drops a bit north of 40, and then starts a rise that continues on to Beaver Run; I call it Blatter Ridge, but Martha Blatter says it used to be called "Road Hill." Martha is a modest woman, but I like my name better.
Of course north of the village limits across Beaver Run to the north is Seminary Hill, for the PIME facility that sits on its crest. Ironically, Canyon Road runs up the high ground between the seminary and Blacks Hill, until it reaches one of the area's other dramatic evening views, the one down into the valley filled with the lights of Newark and Heath. Then Canyon does drop down towards Union Station, into the "canyon" of Auter Creek, which is what I'm going to keep calling Ramp Creek until it catches on!
Do you know of other lost or alternate names for local landmarks?
Our legacy from the past is held in names and memories and other various kinds of landmarks. The "Leave A Legacy" program here in Licking County is an interesting attempt to help people shape their legacy after their death with careful consideration of their wills.
While the Licking County Foundation has been very helpful in getting this started, this isn't about getting people to leave their money to them! What the "LAL" committee is trying to do is get information out to local non-profits, service groups, and yes, churches, helping them help their members to leave a legacy.
The program is based on three simple facts. Nationally, 70% of people give money regularly to some group or another; that's 76% in Licking Co., no surprise there. But only about 3% of wills leave anything to groups or charities. When "LAL" looked at the last five years' worth of wills in our probate court, even counting a simple $50 gift to their church, only 6% in Licking County had done so. And finally, 82% of the country's richest individuals left nothing to charity!
So the point is to simply offer the information. People may well want to leave something, but have never been asked or approached with a way to do so. A training event for representatives of organizations that want to learn more is on March 5 at the old Pennsy Depot, the Foundations Building in Newark, from 7 to 9 pm. The cost is just $5, and I went to their first one and it was well worth it. Call 345-7351 for info or registration.
Two legacies of changing times in Hebron are the former municipal building and the old library, both right downtown. Offers have already been made to rent, buy, or use these structures, and village council has asked a few of us to meet to review options and make a recommendation back to them on what to do with them. Theirs is the final decision, but these local citizens will be meeting soon after they've been cleaned to consider what is in the best interests of Hebron.
Please feel free to forward to me or through Mike McFarland, village administrator (Mike's handed me a couple already) what your thoughts are, but consider these points. First, the village can't "give" the buildings to anyone, no matter what the cause or purpose of the organization (the solicitor sez that's the law, folks). Second, anything like a youth center which would require staff is a tough proposition, considering we voted down the last parks levy. Third, being a landlord has some significant downsides. Ask any landlord! Renting the buildings out is already a last option.
They are good, solid buildings, and they have good locations, but are neither "accessible" under the law, which would further limit some public uses for either. With all that in mind, be creative and pass your ideas along, and this committee will prioritize them and return our list to council.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and a member of a variety of committees (for his sins). If you have a
story idea or other feedback for him, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
Monday, February 18, 2002
Whew! Is that a buncha stuff, or what? Two months content in one day; but housecleaning sure feels good when it's done. Hope this is enjoyable and useful to anyone wondering about some of what goes on in the Hebron area, around Hebron Christian Church, or just with Jeff, Joyce, and Chris! I'll continue to use this as a repository of generated text, and would welcome feedback as to what's useful to you, the reader!
Are there readers? Holler back and let me know . . .
pax et gratia,
jbg
Are there readers? Holler back and let me know . . .
pax et gratia,
jbg
Hebron Crossroads
by Jeff Gill
"Everyone has a stubborn spot," says Larry, one of the top-choppers at Henry Porter's Barber Shop on Main Street.
I'm not sure if he's talking about that awkward edge on my square Scotch-Irish head, or my three-year-old's cowlick he was working on at the time -- or about the human nature he's seen up close and personal over the decades of haircutting.
"Everyone has a stubborn spot;" the winter that won't quite go away, and keeps hanging on stubbornly, or the spring that persistently continues to peer out of groundhog burrows, buds on tree limbs, and the faint nudging of crocuses at the humus covering them.
What is more stubborn: the tendency to keep writing 2001 on our checks, or the enjoyment of a new year that looks the same way front and back, 2002? Is it that stubborn spot that keeps Christmas lights up on roof lines, and gets out the seed catalogues while the frost still peels off our windshields in wide, thick ribbons?
Our stubborn spots are probably best seen in how we keep trying to fit seasons into tidy categories and people into narrow little boxes; taking each day as it comes, accepting people on their own merits, enjoying what's happening right now takes very little stubbornness to master.
Kind of like Larry and Henry do at the Barber Shop . . .
A number of local families are already collecting and cooking down their own maple sap for syrup, like John & Penny Slater on Canal Road. Christian, Samuel, & Abigail are in for some good flapjackings this next year, if the return on all their folks' effort matches the smell. "We've been doing this the last three years," says Penny, "tapping our own trees and evaporating it down with our own equipment." It takes some persistence, if not stubbornness, to see this whole process through to a tasty conclusion. What I really love about their home set-up is the giant wok that they found which happened to fit over the gas burner perfectly, keeping a hard boil in the center but a gentler temperature up the sloping sides. What was that commercial 30 years ago that ended "Ancient Chinese secret, huh?"
Speaking of learning self-sufficiency, Prime Producers 4-H Club is kicking back into high gear this Sunday, Feb. 24th, at 6 pm. 4-H is 100 years old in Ohio this year, and it is a great program for children who want to learn and share their learning about anything from small engines to sheep & hogs, from meterology to making making clothes to making . . . well, maple syrup! Call Martha Cable at 929-1282 for more info; they'll be meeting at Hebron Christian semi-regularly right up to Hartford Fair time in August. Come and pick a project and improve your head, hands, health, and heart in 4-H.
The Hebron Historical Society is having their next meeting on Monday, March 4th at the Masonic Lodge building.
Joe Artz will tell us about the Hebron Power Plant, an attractive and imposing structure which once stood right behind Porter's Barber Shop. For more information on the meeting, call Marsha Justice at 929-1545.
Soccer is really getting rolling in the Lakewood area, with intermediate school kids getting into the action; if you have more information about that or youth baseball starting up, contact me at the e-mail or phone number below. With adults working on their Lenten commitments or still-surviving New Year's resolutions, and with parents eager to get their kids up off the couch and out of the house, plus the kids themselves starting to feel a touch of spring fever -- or is it cabin fever? -- outdoor activities are starting to look more and more attractive to all of us.
We'll see you on the walking track at Lakewood or Evans Park: don't let your stubborn spot hold you back!
--
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and has a stubborn streak, not just a spot, about a mile wide. If you'd like to try to budge him with news or info of interest, e-mail disciple@voyager.net, or call 928-4066.
by Jeff Gill
"Everyone has a stubborn spot," says Larry, one of the top-choppers at Henry Porter's Barber Shop on Main Street.
I'm not sure if he's talking about that awkward edge on my square Scotch-Irish head, or my three-year-old's cowlick he was working on at the time -- or about the human nature he's seen up close and personal over the decades of haircutting.
"Everyone has a stubborn spot;" the winter that won't quite go away, and keeps hanging on stubbornly, or the spring that persistently continues to peer out of groundhog burrows, buds on tree limbs, and the faint nudging of crocuses at the humus covering them.
What is more stubborn: the tendency to keep writing 2001 on our checks, or the enjoyment of a new year that looks the same way front and back, 2002? Is it that stubborn spot that keeps Christmas lights up on roof lines, and gets out the seed catalogues while the frost still peels off our windshields in wide, thick ribbons?
Our stubborn spots are probably best seen in how we keep trying to fit seasons into tidy categories and people into narrow little boxes; taking each day as it comes, accepting people on their own merits, enjoying what's happening right now takes very little stubbornness to master.
Kind of like Larry and Henry do at the Barber Shop . . .
A number of local families are already collecting and cooking down their own maple sap for syrup, like John & Penny Slater on Canal Road. Christian, Samuel, & Abigail are in for some good flapjackings this next year, if the return on all their folks' effort matches the smell. "We've been doing this the last three years," says Penny, "tapping our own trees and evaporating it down with our own equipment." It takes some persistence, if not stubbornness, to see this whole process through to a tasty conclusion. What I really love about their home set-up is the giant wok that they found which happened to fit over the gas burner perfectly, keeping a hard boil in the center but a gentler temperature up the sloping sides. What was that commercial 30 years ago that ended "Ancient Chinese secret, huh?"
Speaking of learning self-sufficiency, Prime Producers 4-H Club is kicking back into high gear this Sunday, Feb. 24th, at 6 pm. 4-H is 100 years old in Ohio this year, and it is a great program for children who want to learn and share their learning about anything from small engines to sheep & hogs, from meterology to making making clothes to making . . . well, maple syrup! Call Martha Cable at 929-1282 for more info; they'll be meeting at Hebron Christian semi-regularly right up to Hartford Fair time in August. Come and pick a project and improve your head, hands, health, and heart in 4-H.
The Hebron Historical Society is having their next meeting on Monday, March 4th at the Masonic Lodge building.
Joe Artz will tell us about the Hebron Power Plant, an attractive and imposing structure which once stood right behind Porter's Barber Shop. For more information on the meeting, call Marsha Justice at 929-1545.
Soccer is really getting rolling in the Lakewood area, with intermediate school kids getting into the action; if you have more information about that or youth baseball starting up, contact me at the e-mail or phone number below. With adults working on their Lenten commitments or still-surviving New Year's resolutions, and with parents eager to get their kids up off the couch and out of the house, plus the kids themselves starting to feel a touch of spring fever -- or is it cabin fever? -- outdoor activities are starting to look more and more attractive to all of us.
We'll see you on the walking track at Lakewood or Evans Park: don't let your stubborn spot hold you back!
--
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and has a stubborn streak, not just a spot, about a mile wide. If you'd like to try to budge him with news or info of interest, e-mail disciple@voyager.net, or call 928-4066.
* * * * *
Commissioner’s Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
This is the time of year that unit leaders hear about "the charter."
Is this just another piece of Scouting paperwork, or is there
something special about a charter? The best way I can summarize the
significance of this annual ritual is in three words: identity,
continuity, and liability.
Identity, because unlike other youth service organizations (i.e., Girl
Scouts, Indian Guides, etc.), Scouting does not "own" our units; your
chartering organization is where your Scouting identity is held, even
if that’s not where you meet as a pack or troop. Scouting comes to
you "through" their partnership with you, the unit leaders.
Continuity with that chartered partner, as well as your updating of
leadership, training status, and membership, is how the unit gains
history and credibility in your community, and allows some units to
wear the silver or gold bar above your number. And liability because
. . . well, this is almost a whole ‘nother Comm. Corner, but suffice
it to say you want to get your charter in on time before your next
unit axemanship demo, OK?
If the district commissioner staff or our district exec have missed
you with this year’s charter, or you need help getting it filled out
properly, or even if you just want someone to come pick up the darn
thing, call me at 928-4066, or e-mail at disciple@voyager.net.
* * * * *
Commissioner’s Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
Scouting’s birthday in the USA is February 8th, and this year Simon
Kenton Council is drawing attention to the Scouting movement in
central Ohio by holding our annual meeting and Silver Beaver
recognition on that date in the State Capital atrium in Columbus.
Not all of us can get over to Broad & High on that evening, but any
troop or pack can hold a Scout Sunday observance on Feb. 2nd or 10th
simply by going to a worship service together, in uniform, ideally in
the religious service of your chartering organization. Many units who
are not chartered to churches may meet in a church building or simply
pick a service that is nearby; the point is that the presence together
of a well-ordered group of youth, looking sharp and observing the 12th
point of the Scout Law, can make a lasting impact on a community where
many may not know much about our history and program.
If you contact the priest or pastor in advance, you may be surprised
at how quickly your Scouts might be offered the chance to post the
colors, offer a reading, or otherwise participate in the service.
Give it a try! If you want info about how to do this, involve your
Scouts in chaplain aide or religious award programs, call me at 928-
4066, or e-mail at disciple@voyager.net.
* * * * *
Commissioner’s Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
The Roundtable – brave knights of old, wise King Arthur, clever Merlin
the Wizard. Is this what you think of when you hear "Roundtable?"
Well, you’re not far off if you also think about the first Tuesday of
the month, 7:15 pm at First United Methodist in Newark. There you
will find experienced knights of the Scouting fellowship, the
leadership of the district if you have questions or concerns, and
monthly programs that can bring some wondrous wizardry to your pack or
troop programming. After an opening and annoucements, the Cub leaders
and Scout leaders each go off to battle dragons of challenging
behavior problems, the trolls of discontent, and the Dark Knight of
"what are we going to do next month?" Strap on your armor or pack up
your crystal ball and join us at the Roundtable, where the fellowship
is as bold as Arthur’s was . . . but please don’t throw the mutton
bones on the floor.
If you want to know more about Roundtable night for unit leadership,
or just want a ride on the back of someone else’s charger to get
there, call me at 928-4066, or e-mail at disciple@voyager.net.
* * *
Commissioner's Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
Scouting is Outing -- we've used that phrase for years, mainly because it is true. Baden-Powell organized Scouting in 1907 around the principle that young people, whenever possible, tend to prefer to be out-of-doors to inside a classroom or building. Soon I know that teachers will be faced with pleas from their classes: "Oh, please, can't we go outside for class?" And "no recess" will again be a useful threat . . .
ScOUTING -- we need to get the kids outside; not only for campouts and Klondikes and camporees, but during meetings and as part of even the simplest activities. Yes, that means you need your adult leadership to be fully present (and not over at the coffeepot), and it means activity prep is a little harder, but if your physical fitness activity is on the sidewalk instead of on linoleum, if your star talk is out on the lawn as dusk gathers instead of on an overhead projector, if your equipment display is on a groundcloth on the porch instead of on a folding table under fluorescent lights -- the payoff is in more excited, and in fact more interested kids . . . who come back for more troop/pack meetings, as well as for your next outing!
* * * * * * *
Commissioner's Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
For our Cubs and Boy Scouts, the Oath & Law make up all they really need to know about the meaning and purpose of the Scouting program. We adults understand that there are some guiding principles that, while we don't exactly hide them from the kids, we don't lead with them, either.
In Scoutmaster & Troop Committee training, the summary of the adult side of Scouting is in Three Aims and Eight Methods that are our common benchmarks for providing a true Scout experience in our units. The Aims are: 1) To Build Character, 2) To Foster Citizenship, and 3) To Develop Fitness. All our programming on the patrol & den, troop & pack level should in some way fulfill those aims.
But what makes Scouting truly unique are the Methods, which are the use of 1) Ideals -- the Oath & Law, 2) Patrol Method, 3) Outdoor Activities, 4) Advancement, 5) Personal Growth, 6) Adult Association (call it role-modelling), 7) Leadership Development, and 8) Uniform. These particular methods are what makes Scouting, well, Scouting!
How is your unit doing in making all eight of these methods part of your program?
* * * * * * *
Commissioner's Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
Last week we talked about the Aims & Methods of Scouting as a tool for understanding what adult leadership needs to offer and maintain with our youth leadership. Of the eight methods, the last one is the least understood and also the most misunderstood; let me try to take some time to talk about the Scout uniform.
Can you be a Scout without a Scout uniform? Of course you can; the problem is . . . how long will you be a Scout without one? Forgive me if I lapse a bit into my day job as a pastor, but this question reminds me of the often asked, "Do you have to go to church every Sunday to be a good Christian?" My answer is, actually, "No, you don't, but I find it highly unlikely!" Habits of mind tend to follow habits of body, and if you're on the 12th Hole during the worship hour, my strong suspicion is that your mind will not be much on God during that hour or many others in the week, as well. The uniform is a reminder -- to oneself, as well as to others -- of who you are trying to be.
When I ran a Scout summer camp back in Michigan, two staffers had to go into Kalamazoo to pick up some equipment, and I asked them to wear their uniform since they were going by both the United Way and Red Cross offices before returning that evening. They agreed, and left; returning after dinner, one grinned at me as we walked up the hill and said, "Y'know, as hot as it's been, we would have stopped for a beer on the way back if we hadn't had on. . ." Seeing the smile on my face, he stopped, and then added, "You rat! (Or words to that effect) You knew we wouldn't . . ."
Exactly. (More on uniforms next time!)
* * * * * * *
Commissioner's Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
Uniforms are a visual reminder of the Scout Oath & Law, of our history as an organization as well as telling a bit of our own history, if properly worn. They are primarily a tool for eliminating unfair distinctions of wealth and class between Scouts, and that's precisely as Baden-Powell intended it back almost 100 years ago. He saw how some of the other youth organizations intended to bring together youth of different backgrounds, but often failed on the basis of the social divisions that so plagued England in his day.
Just as we often bemoan the insanity of $200 sneakers and the pointless competition in brand names between our kids, even Baden-Powell on Brownsea Island wanted to leave those cultural markings behind, and so he requested everyone get a uniform that was easily obtainable by any family from an Army surplus store, and would look the
same regardless of the the family income or lack thereof. Soon there would be distinctive marks on those khaki-clad kids, but they wouldn't be corporate logos or multinational swooshes, but badges of merit and symbols of earned rank. The coolest uniform, then and now, couldn't be bought, but had to be earned.
As a church camp director each summer, I find myself wishing I could bring uniforms into the mix, and banish logos and t-shirt ads and the consumer fashions of the day. It makes me appreciate all over again how wise B-P was to bring uniforms into Scouting as one of our distinctive methods. Uniform banks, church clothes closets, and even
the stray shirt from a surplus store can bring a shirt and insignia within the reach of every youth in every unit.
Come to Roundtable and ask around if you need uniform parts for some of your Scouts and I'll bet you'll find all you need!
Commissioner’s Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
This is the time of year that unit leaders hear about "the charter."
Is this just another piece of Scouting paperwork, or is there
something special about a charter? The best way I can summarize the
significance of this annual ritual is in three words: identity,
continuity, and liability.
Identity, because unlike other youth service organizations (i.e., Girl
Scouts, Indian Guides, etc.), Scouting does not "own" our units; your
chartering organization is where your Scouting identity is held, even
if that’s not where you meet as a pack or troop. Scouting comes to
you "through" their partnership with you, the unit leaders.
Continuity with that chartered partner, as well as your updating of
leadership, training status, and membership, is how the unit gains
history and credibility in your community, and allows some units to
wear the silver or gold bar above your number. And liability because
. . . well, this is almost a whole ‘nother Comm. Corner, but suffice
it to say you want to get your charter in on time before your next
unit axemanship demo, OK?
If the district commissioner staff or our district exec have missed
you with this year’s charter, or you need help getting it filled out
properly, or even if you just want someone to come pick up the darn
thing, call me at 928-4066, or e-mail at disciple@voyager.net.
* * * * *
Commissioner’s Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
Scouting’s birthday in the USA is February 8th, and this year Simon
Kenton Council is drawing attention to the Scouting movement in
central Ohio by holding our annual meeting and Silver Beaver
recognition on that date in the State Capital atrium in Columbus.
Not all of us can get over to Broad & High on that evening, but any
troop or pack can hold a Scout Sunday observance on Feb. 2nd or 10th
simply by going to a worship service together, in uniform, ideally in
the religious service of your chartering organization. Many units who
are not chartered to churches may meet in a church building or simply
pick a service that is nearby; the point is that the presence together
of a well-ordered group of youth, looking sharp and observing the 12th
point of the Scout Law, can make a lasting impact on a community where
many may not know much about our history and program.
If you contact the priest or pastor in advance, you may be surprised
at how quickly your Scouts might be offered the chance to post the
colors, offer a reading, or otherwise participate in the service.
Give it a try! If you want info about how to do this, involve your
Scouts in chaplain aide or religious award programs, call me at 928-
4066, or e-mail at disciple@voyager.net.
* * * * *
Commissioner’s Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
The Roundtable – brave knights of old, wise King Arthur, clever Merlin
the Wizard. Is this what you think of when you hear "Roundtable?"
Well, you’re not far off if you also think about the first Tuesday of
the month, 7:15 pm at First United Methodist in Newark. There you
will find experienced knights of the Scouting fellowship, the
leadership of the district if you have questions or concerns, and
monthly programs that can bring some wondrous wizardry to your pack or
troop programming. After an opening and annoucements, the Cub leaders
and Scout leaders each go off to battle dragons of challenging
behavior problems, the trolls of discontent, and the Dark Knight of
"what are we going to do next month?" Strap on your armor or pack up
your crystal ball and join us at the Roundtable, where the fellowship
is as bold as Arthur’s was . . . but please don’t throw the mutton
bones on the floor.
If you want to know more about Roundtable night for unit leadership,
or just want a ride on the back of someone else’s charger to get
there, call me at 928-4066, or e-mail at disciple@voyager.net.
* * *
Commissioner's Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
Scouting is Outing -- we've used that phrase for years, mainly because it is true. Baden-Powell organized Scouting in 1907 around the principle that young people, whenever possible, tend to prefer to be out-of-doors to inside a classroom or building. Soon I know that teachers will be faced with pleas from their classes: "Oh, please, can't we go outside for class?" And "no recess" will again be a useful threat . . .
ScOUTING -- we need to get the kids outside; not only for campouts and Klondikes and camporees, but during meetings and as part of even the simplest activities. Yes, that means you need your adult leadership to be fully present (and not over at the coffeepot), and it means activity prep is a little harder, but if your physical fitness activity is on the sidewalk instead of on linoleum, if your star talk is out on the lawn as dusk gathers instead of on an overhead projector, if your equipment display is on a groundcloth on the porch instead of on a folding table under fluorescent lights -- the payoff is in more excited, and in fact more interested kids . . . who come back for more troop/pack meetings, as well as for your next outing!
* * * * * * *
Commissioner's Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
For our Cubs and Boy Scouts, the Oath & Law make up all they really need to know about the meaning and purpose of the Scouting program. We adults understand that there are some guiding principles that, while we don't exactly hide them from the kids, we don't lead with them, either.
In Scoutmaster & Troop Committee training, the summary of the adult side of Scouting is in Three Aims and Eight Methods that are our common benchmarks for providing a true Scout experience in our units. The Aims are: 1) To Build Character, 2) To Foster Citizenship, and 3) To Develop Fitness. All our programming on the patrol & den, troop & pack level should in some way fulfill those aims.
But what makes Scouting truly unique are the Methods, which are the use of 1) Ideals -- the Oath & Law, 2) Patrol Method, 3) Outdoor Activities, 4) Advancement, 5) Personal Growth, 6) Adult Association (call it role-modelling), 7) Leadership Development, and 8) Uniform. These particular methods are what makes Scouting, well, Scouting!
How is your unit doing in making all eight of these methods part of your program?
* * * * * * *
Commissioner's Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
Last week we talked about the Aims & Methods of Scouting as a tool for understanding what adult leadership needs to offer and maintain with our youth leadership. Of the eight methods, the last one is the least understood and also the most misunderstood; let me try to take some time to talk about the Scout uniform.
Can you be a Scout without a Scout uniform? Of course you can; the problem is . . . how long will you be a Scout without one? Forgive me if I lapse a bit into my day job as a pastor, but this question reminds me of the often asked, "Do you have to go to church every Sunday to be a good Christian?" My answer is, actually, "No, you don't, but I find it highly unlikely!" Habits of mind tend to follow habits of body, and if you're on the 12th Hole during the worship hour, my strong suspicion is that your mind will not be much on God during that hour or many others in the week, as well. The uniform is a reminder -- to oneself, as well as to others -- of who you are trying to be.
When I ran a Scout summer camp back in Michigan, two staffers had to go into Kalamazoo to pick up some equipment, and I asked them to wear their uniform since they were going by both the United Way and Red Cross offices before returning that evening. They agreed, and left; returning after dinner, one grinned at me as we walked up the hill and said, "Y'know, as hot as it's been, we would have stopped for a beer on the way back if we hadn't had on. . ." Seeing the smile on my face, he stopped, and then added, "You rat! (Or words to that effect) You knew we wouldn't . . ."
Exactly. (More on uniforms next time!)
* * * * * * *
Commissioner's Corner
Jeff Gill, District Commish
Uniforms are a visual reminder of the Scout Oath & Law, of our history as an organization as well as telling a bit of our own history, if properly worn. They are primarily a tool for eliminating unfair distinctions of wealth and class between Scouts, and that's precisely as Baden-Powell intended it back almost 100 years ago. He saw how some of the other youth organizations intended to bring together youth of different backgrounds, but often failed on the basis of the social divisions that so plagued England in his day.
Just as we often bemoan the insanity of $200 sneakers and the pointless competition in brand names between our kids, even Baden-Powell on Brownsea Island wanted to leave those cultural markings behind, and so he requested everyone get a uniform that was easily obtainable by any family from an Army surplus store, and would look the
same regardless of the the family income or lack thereof. Soon there would be distinctive marks on those khaki-clad kids, but they wouldn't be corporate logos or multinational swooshes, but badges of merit and symbols of earned rank. The coolest uniform, then and now, couldn't be bought, but had to be earned.
As a church camp director each summer, I find myself wishing I could bring uniforms into the mix, and banish logos and t-shirt ads and the consumer fashions of the day. It makes me appreciate all over again how wise B-P was to bring uniforms into Scouting as one of our distinctive methods. Uniform banks, church clothes closets, and even
the stray shirt from a surplus store can bring a shirt and insignia within the reach of every youth in every unit.
Come to Roundtable and ask around if you need uniform parts for some of your Scouts and I'll bet you'll find all you need!
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